cables & wire

pick by solid vs stranded, AWG (thickness), insulation, and connector.

solid vs stranded

solid: stiff, holds shape (breadboards)
stranded: flexible (panels, moving cables)

quick AWG cheats

AWG	typical use	ballpark current*
28–26	dupont jumpers	< 0.5–1 A
24–22	hookup wire	~1–3 A
20–18	power runs	~3–7 A
16–14	higher current	~7–15 A

*depends on insulation, temp rise, length — verify for safety.

connect ends right

tin stranded ends only when they won’t be screwed; use ferrules for terminals
strain-relief to stop yanks (glands, knots, cable ties)
color code rails: red = +, black/blue = −, others for signals

caution

thin wire + long run = voltage drop. for LEDs/motors, go thicker than you think.