What eletrical cable?

[martinholmesuk]

For the loom connected to lights/gauges. Does anyone know what amp cable should be used?

 

Thanks all

 

Martin

[spitfire6]

Hi,

I would use minimum 1.5mm2; as this circuit is protected by a 16 Amp fuse. If its not; size the cable to the correct fuse size that protects it.

I hope that makes sense?

Iain

[martinholmesuk]

7amp?

[spitfire6]

Hi, again,

It appears there are 3 x 35 Amp fuses in the fuse block and not 16 Amp as  previously posted?

If the 35 Amperage rating refers to the continuous current carrying capacity of the fuses, then you would need 35 Amperage cable; which would be about 2.5mm2.

If the 35 Amperage fuse rating is the fusing/blowing capacity, then 1.5mm2 (16 Amp cable), will be fine.

 

Always size the cable to the fuse and not the load.

 

I hope I have not confused you some more?

Best,

Iain

 

[mk2vitesses]

If it is only feeding the gauge regulator, why not take a fresh feed off the 35A buss fused at a lower level to this point?

None of these cars have enough fuses for my liking!

[GHR630]

Always size the cable to the fuse and not the load.

 

Absolutely not!! The wire size for a circuit is dictated by the max potential load plus a margin. Don't get confused between nominal  and continuous etc.

 

The rating of automotive wiring is based on the number of strands and the cross-sectional area of those strands. When buying cable for accessories, the standard options are normally (thinwall is slight different);

 

14/0.30, 1.0mm2, 8.75A

 

28/0.30, 2.0mm2, 17.5A

 

44/0.30, 3.0mm2, 27.5A

 

If you are talking about gauge lighting which is  one of the lightest loads - then 14/0.30 will suffice. If you are not sure, normally you are talking about 28/0.30 which is the bog standard wire for low to medium draw circuits.

 

DO NOT use any other kind of cable than that designed for automotive circuits (low voltage, high amperage) e.g. I could be wrong but I don't recognise the cable size recommended.

[spitfire6]

Always size the cable to the fuse and not the load.

 

Absolutely not!! The wire size for a circuit is dictated by the max potential load plus a margin. Don't get confused between nominal  and continuous etc.

 

Hi,

Sorry, my mistake; I thought a fuse was designed to protect the cable.

Just goes to show that you can learn new things everyday.

Thanks

Iain

 

 

 

[spitfire6]

Hi,GHR

     If  read your recommendations correct;

I can connect a one watt bulb to my car battery with ‘skinny’ wire as the load determines the wire size?

Is this what you are saying or I have misunderstood?

Excuse my ignorance in all this electrictski; as my students say.

 

We await your reply,

Thanks in advance,

Iain

 

 

[motov8id]

one watt at 12volts is only .83 amps so skinny wires will do. to prevent the wire from overheating and the insulation braking down current flow determines wire size also the distance the current flows(not a factor in an auto) more resistance per foot in wires with small cross section so more heat generated, less voltage arrives at the load.