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In a message dated 98-05-18 11:37:50 EDT, raven@HALCYON.COM writes: << OK, I've decided to run a dedicated, relay-switched +12V line to power my headlights and fog lights. My questions is what gauge wire should I use? I've got some 8 gauge--that should handle it right? I believe it's rated at 40 amps--that would handle up to 480 watts of lighting. Comments? >> Micheal-- I'm not an electrical engineer, but I've seen pictures of them on TV. I know part of the equation for this is "distance"; like: the distance the electrons have to run through the wire. The longer the distance, the fatter the wire you should use. I am from the "Brick Sh*thouse" school of electrical design, and would urge you to OVER engineer the gauge of the wire, simply because it won't cost much more now, and it really stinks when a wire overheats, or blows fuses all the time. $1.25 gmbulley cary, nc 5 days to Buggout! |
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