Date:         Mon, 18 May 1998 17:53:47 EDT
Reply-To:     GMBulley <GMBulley@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         GMBulley <GMBulley@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: wire size for headlight circuit
Comments: To: raven@HALCYON.COM, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

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!