Wiring Question

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Big Blue
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Wiring Question

Post by Big Blue » Mon Apr 27, 2015 2:35 pm

Don't know much about wiring so bear with me. I'm extending my winch battery cables. My question is about the 18 gauge wire that runs parallel to/along with the main cables. Not sure what their function is. These wires have some specifications written on them, like 18 AWG, 600V, 105C. Can I replace these with standard 18 gauge automotive wire? I couldn't find the exact replacement wire, with the markings, and the local auto parts guy said it's just 18 gauge automotive wire but I'm not so sure. The automotive wire appears to be copper and the stock wire ,well, I'm not sure. I'm betting someone here has the answer. Thanks in advance.
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BigRed2007
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Re: Wiring Question

Post by BigRed2007 » Mon Apr 27, 2015 3:59 pm

I would think you would be fine with standard 18 gauge wire. How far are you extending it? If it is very far you may want to upgrade the main power cables as well. High amperage devices don't like to be very far from the battery without bigger cables.
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Big Blue
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Re: Wiring Question

Post by Big Blue » Mon Apr 27, 2015 6:36 pm

I'm only extending them about an extra 18 inches. Thanks for the reply!
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Re: Wiring Question

Post by Big Blue » Mon Apr 27, 2015 7:35 pm

I'm only extending them about an extra 18 inches. Thanks for the reply!
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adeluca73
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Re: Wiring Question

Post by adeluca73 » Tue Apr 28, 2015 12:08 am

voltage drop is varies linearly inversely proportional to distance. Given 12V battery putting out 13.85VDC, if the original wire is say 1', and you added 1.5' (18"), the voltage drop using 18AWG with is 0.5657V, or a -3.533% loss from before the addition. 14AWG wire would cut that loss by 50%, for a total system loss of -1.4%. So it depends on what your powering and how much loss your system can tolerate, a function of fusing, and min current threshold.
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Big Blue
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Re: Wiring Question

Post by Big Blue » Tue Apr 28, 2015 7:57 am

So I think that means I should go with heavier gauge wire?? :doh:
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adeluca73
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Re: Wiring Question

Post by adeluca73 » Tue Apr 28, 2015 2:05 pm

Yes, I would.
SOLD : 2014 Ram PW SLT: (Flame Red) 1st year of the Best Gen
<Build Thread>

NEW : 2025 Ram PW SLT: (Flame Red) Last year of the Best Gen
Initial Mods:
  • Yokohama Geolander A/T4 35/12.5R/17LT
  • Baja Squadron PRO Fog Light Kit
  • CJC Front Skid
  • Air Dam Delete
  • Carli Front Diff Cover
  • Purple Cranium Spider Rear Diff Cover
  • Detloff Rear Sway Bar Spacer kit
  • LED Bed Lighting Kit
  • RAM OEM Fr/Rear rubber Splash Guards
  • Bulletpoint RAM powered magsafe phone mount
  • Refurbished my old Diamondback HD
    - New linex
    - 42” tool bar & muti-clamps
    - DB’s Strip LEDs auto on/off kit
    - New style locking kit
    - New lock bar hardware kit
    - New style tie down cleats
  • Garmin BT Power Switch Powering:
    - Abel Electric Nanny KS
    - BD S2 Pro x2 (Rear)
    - KC Hi-lights LED puck lights in the engine bay
    - Patton Fab Rear Light Mounts
    - BD Squadron XL8100 Ditch Lights
    - SDHQ Ditch Light Mounts
PILFERED FROM MY ‘14 PW:
  • F-55 Flatlink
  • Diamondback HD
  • RAM OEM Sil Plates x4
  • Swing Cases x2
  • F-55 2.5” Rear Hitch Recovery Point
  • Rear Seat mounted 3x long gun case & storage pouches
  • Muddy waterproof rear seat blanket cover
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