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I need to make a coil to test voltage created by flux for a project, but bought the wrong grade of wire. Will the non-tarnishing coating act as a good enough insulator for voltages in the millivolts?

TIA

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Depends on the non-tarnishing coating. Gold, for example, is non-tarnishing but not an insulator. If it's the clear (or coloured) varnish commonly used on wire in transformers, it's good for a few volts. (Mains voltages usually require paper or mylar tape between layers of winding) \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Feb 5, 2018 at 16:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ as long as you verify the insulation with a test ( no nicks.) Polyester, Polyurethane are most common coatings \$\endgroup\$ Feb 5, 2018 at 16:22

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Probably it's a lacquer coating if it's a crafts type wire so it would suffice for a very low voltage.

You can take a couple pieces and twist them roughly together and see if you can measure any continuity between the two. You'll need to remove the coating at the ends to make a reliable connection- soldering heat may well do the trick if it's a polyester lacquer. Be more gentle when you wind the actual coil, obviously.

One manufacturer states that:

The tarnish resistant feature results from an oven-baked clear coat finish

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