How long do they need to be and what is the peak amperage? Standard lamp cord is probably overkill but let's see.

10 amps. I looked up a wire gauge calculator for .25 meters long cord and it gave me 16 awg which makes sense.

 

That's a problem with America distributors. When I last lived in the United States the shipping charges really rankled me. If you move to a S.E. Asian country your will find shipping costs much more reasonable, if you think it is worth the move.

 

That's a problem with America distributors. When I last lived in the United States the shipping charges really rankled me. If you move to a S.E. Asian country your will find shipping costs much more reasonable, if you think it is worth the move.

Definitely worth the move. I’d rather save my $7 and live in a third world country.

 

Don't badmouth things that you do not understand.

 

10 amps. I looked up a wire gauge calculator for .25 meters long cord and it gave me 16 awg which makes sense.

It does, and the 10A figure certainly explains why you saw the melting in your earlier build. Of course bigger is better, within reason, when it comes to wire gauge.

 

It does, and the 10A figure certainly explains why you saw the melting in your earlier build. Of course bigger is better, within reason, when it comes to wire gauge.

Got it. I’d like to work on drawing the circuit today for the solder board I will buy. What is a good free application I can use for this?

 

Got it. I’d like to work on drawing the circuit today for the solder board I will buy. What is a good free application I can use for this?

Rather, what is the drawing application you mentioned? You said you are probably the only one that uses it, but it is just what I need.
Thanks again.

 

Rather, what is the drawing application you mentioned? You said you are probably the only one that uses it, but it is just what I need.
Thanks again.

I use Intaglio, which is a Mac-only vector drawing application. You should be able to find a vector drawing program for whatever OS you're using. Take a look at Inkscape, for instance. There are others. Another. And one more list.