37chief
Well-known Member
- Location
- California
For tail, and brake lights, what's good size wire for 12 V? Thanks Stan
- Thread starter 37chief
- Start date
Aaron SEIA
Well-known Member
14 for anything other than brake power and ground.
AaronSEIA
AaronSEIA
Johnnypopper
Member
- Location
- Michigan
I usually use 16 gauge for the lighting loads. I would not use anything smaller than 16.
Steve@Advance
Well-known Member
I use 14 or 16 gauge.
There are different types wire too. Be sure to use the automotive or appliance type. It has finer strands of wire and the insulation is softer and more flexible.
It's made for flexing and vibration resistance, where stranded building wire has harder insulation, designed for stationary applications and being pulled through conduit.
There are different types wire too. Be sure to use the automotive or appliance type. It has finer strands of wire and the insulation is softer and more flexible.
It's made for flexing and vibration resistance, where stranded building wire has harder insulation, designed for stationary applications and being pulled through conduit.
Olliejunkie
Well-known Member
For a vehicle or trailer. Depends on the distance, type of lamps and how many. Generally 14 or 16 would be sufficient as others have said.
And the 4 wire is 18 guage so it is considered plenty heavy or they could not get by selling it. I have used 3 conductor 18 guage extension cord wire, the 3 wire is good for stop-tail lights and leaves a ground for them. When I need more conductors just have to buy the regulat trailer wire. But where the 3 conductors are enough the outside rubber cover makes it less prone to wear into the conductor. Distribution on front of trailer with the 3 conductor for each side tail-stop lights, branches off the box with 2 conductor extension cord and for the brakes a heavier extension cord.
Geo-TH,In
Well-known Member
I like to use extension cords for trailer lights and brakes. Either 14 or 16g. My electric brakes on 10k dump trailer has a combined resistance of 1 ohm. So each volt applied to the brakes uses one amp. My tekonsha brake controller shows the volts applied. 4-5 volts is the most my brakes gets under heavy braking.
My tail lights are LED, so the amps aren't a concern either.
I like using extension cords because of the extra layer of insulation. Had to replace the brake wiring on dump trailer, because the wire was shorting out on the frame. The OEM wire was run inside the frame tubing.
My tail lights are LED, so the amps aren't a concern either.
I like using extension cords because of the extra layer of insulation. Had to replace the brake wiring on dump trailer, because the wire was shorting out on the frame. The OEM wire was run inside the frame tubing.
gene bender
Well-known Member
14ga carries 15amps
1) Bigger wire = less voltage drop.
2) If it has LED lights they draw far less current and you can get by with smaller gauge wire
3) HOWEVER if it has electric brakes I prefer 10 Gauge for that circuit
4) The most common problem on trailer wiring IS POOR LOOSE RESISTIVE CORRODED GROUNDS
5) I like to use soldered connections then covered with heat shrink and liquid tape to keep moisture and dirt out.
THAT ALL BEING SAID for many typical (not all) small trailers I prefer 14 Gauge wire (although sure 12 yields less voltage drop while even 16 will get you by) for lights and 10 Gauge for electric brakes PLUS GOOD GROUND WIRING AND CONNECTIONS
John T
2) If it has LED lights they draw far less current and you can get by with smaller gauge wire
3) HOWEVER if it has electric brakes I prefer 10 Gauge for that circuit
4) The most common problem on trailer wiring IS POOR LOOSE RESISTIVE CORRODED GROUNDS
5) I like to use soldered connections then covered with heat shrink and liquid tape to keep moisture and dirt out.
THAT ALL BEING SAID for many typical (not all) small trailers I prefer 14 Gauge wire (although sure 12 yields less voltage drop while even 16 will get you by) for lights and 10 Gauge for electric brakes PLUS GOOD GROUND WIRING AND CONNECTIONS
John T
dr sportster
Well-known Member
A type Like MTW [machine tool wire ] is more flexible with bends than a THHN type which is stiff. One roll will last a lifetime.
Oliver 500 Wa
Member
The wire sizes used on trailer wiring are chosen for strength and reliability rather than Ampacity.
Crazy Horse
Well-known Member
After reading ALL of the replies so far, I would recommend going with anything between (and including) ten and eighteen gauge wire, take your pick !!!
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