Wire gauge correct for 56?
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 5
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Wire gauge correct for 56?
I have quite a bit of rewiring to do, cant afford a harness, what is the correct gauge of wire for lights, etc? 56 F-100
Thanks as always, JG
Thanks as always, JG
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
JG,
Wiring size is somewhat subjective, but the general rule is bigger is better. Late model cars use wire as small as 18 gauge for taillights and such, however, I suspect the reason for that is solely to save a few bucks in the manufacturing process. The only drawback to using larger wire is that it may not be as easily routed and take up more room. In my projects I never use wire smaller than 14 gauge for anything. I suggest that's what you use for lights and most other accessories. Other systems require heavier gauge. Use 12 gauge for heater/AC, electric wiper, horn, cigarette lighter, and alternator if under 65 Amps. If over 65 Amps use 10 gauge and for a 100 Amp one-wire use 8 gauge. If you run an ammeter, match the wire gauge with the same you are using for the alternator (use a voltmeter instead if you can and you only need 14 gauge). I have rewired several rods from scratch using these guidelines and have never had a problem. Hope this helps.
Vern
Wiring size is somewhat subjective, but the general rule is bigger is better. Late model cars use wire as small as 18 gauge for taillights and such, however, I suspect the reason for that is solely to save a few bucks in the manufacturing process. The only drawback to using larger wire is that it may not be as easily routed and take up more room. In my projects I never use wire smaller than 14 gauge for anything. I suggest that's what you use for lights and most other accessories. Other systems require heavier gauge. Use 12 gauge for heater/AC, electric wiper, horn, cigarette lighter, and alternator if under 65 Amps. If over 65 Amps use 10 gauge and for a 100 Amp one-wire use 8 gauge. If you run an ammeter, match the wire gauge with the same you are using for the alternator (use a voltmeter instead if you can and you only need 14 gauge). I have rewired several rods from scratch using these guidelines and have never had a problem. Hope this helps.
Vern
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Thanks, John. I decided I needed a couple of hours to work on Earl and to heck with the jobs. Unfortunately, I'll be back to the salt mines tomorrow. I'm still hoping I'll be down to one job by the end of the summer. I can't wait to get back here more than once every two months to see how everybody's doing.
Cheers,
Cheers,
Where have you been? You gonna make the Super Nats this year?
