What wire is everyone using for accessories?

[BlackCSVT]

Hi,

I’ve got a tons of stuff to install that’s just been sitting in the corner. Part of that is 8 set of lights to install. What wire is everyone using for lights? Is there any pre-mesh installed wire spools out there, or a higher grade of wire with off-road type insulation/protection?

Coming from a car stereo background I used to use Stinger or KnuKonceptz copper wire, but the insulation on those is pretty soft, and I’d be worried about damaging it in the AZ desert.

 

[TxDoc]

12 Volt Wiring: Wire Gauge to Amps – Offroaders.com provides information and entertainment to 4×4 enthusiasts worldwide

www.offroaders.com

Wire gauge will depend on voltage (12 volts in this case), current (in amps) and run (length of the wire carrying the current).

This article will help you understand and has a chart showing what wire you will need.

Good to remember:
Ohm's Law (E = IR)
E=voltage
R=Resistance (of the wire to the flow of current)
I=Current (in Amps)

Easy to remember:

I=E/R
The Indian sea the Eagle over the Rabbit

E=I/R

The Eagle sees the Indian over the Rabbit

R=E/I

The Rabbit sees the Eagle over the Rabbit.


Amps=watts/volts

I you see a light or light bar rated in watts, divide that by 12 to see how many amps you may be looking at.

****Many lights have overrated specifications ***

But, most quality switches can't handle over 20 amps and you'll need to use a relay. That's a switch within a switch. It lets a switch, even activated, access current from the battery and it doesn't have to pass thru the switch, possibly damaging the switch.

I don't know if this helps or is a case of TMI

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

 

[CID]

Hi,

I’ve got a tons of stuff to install that’s just been sitting in the corner. Part of that is 8 set of lights to install. What wire is everyone using for lights? Is there any pre-mesh installed wire spools out there, or a higher grade of wire with off-road type insulation/protection?

Coming from a car stereo background I used to use Stinger or KnuKonceptz copper wire, but the insulation on those is pretty soft, and I’d be worried about damaging it in the AZ desert.

There's a switched hot plug above the steering column that most of us used, it's under the hood/hood cowl. The club store has a pigtail made for it.

KEY ON POWER Harness for Honda Pioneer 1000, 700, 500, and Talon 1000.

Quick and easy KEY ON Accessory power source for your Honda Pioneer. PLUG-N-PLAY No Splicing of wires. No Tapping of wires. 3ft lead easily reaches anywhere under the hood. This kit plugs inline with OEM harness and provides a 12v positive lead. Use this Key-On Accessory wire to run the...

store.hondasxs.com

 

[ODAMO]

12 Volt Wiring: Wire Gauge to Amps – Offroaders.com provides information and entertainment to 4×4 enthusiasts worldwide

www.offroaders.com

Wire gauge will depend on voltage (12 volts in this case), current (in amps) and run (length of the wire carrying the current).

This article will help you understand and has a chart showing what wire you will need.

Good to remember:
Ohm's Law (E = IR)
E=voltage
R=Resistance (of the wire to the flow of current)
I=Current (in Amps)

Easy to remember:

I=E/R
The Indian sea the Eagle over the Rabbit

E=I/R

The Eagle sees the Indian over the Rabbit

R=E/I

The Rabbit sees the Eagle over the Rabbit.


Amps=watts/volts

I you see a light or light bar rated in watts, divide that by 12 to see how many amps you may be looking at.

****Many lights have overrated specifications ***

But, most quality switches can't handle over 20 amps and you'll need to use a relay. That's a switch within a switch. It lets a switch, even activated, access current from the battery and it doesn't have to pass thru the switch, possibly damaging the switch.

I don't know if this helps or is a case of TMI

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

The rabbit comes out of it's hole, goes around the tree, and then goes back down it's hole.

 

[BlackCSVT]

Thanks for the reply’s. TxDoc, I actually use those formula’s for my day job quite often when calculating total load on pool/spa systems.

CID, I have the XTC 6-switch controller for all the accessories, and a 2 way split for the blue plug incase I need to add more relays in the future.

I should probably be more specific. Im asking what brand of wire are people using, i.e. brand “XYZ” because it has foil between its double insulation, etc. or brand “ZYX” because it comes with the mesh sleeve already on it…

 

[Neohio]

Any decent automotive primary wire will work for you.
Look into TXL, GXL, SXL variations. They are very similar, but different insulation wall thickness. Each is typically an OEM spec for any of the big automakers.

 

[DRZRon1]

Auto wire, I use MTW, I put it in the black plastic wire loom or if it’s winch wiring, take air hose, split it down the middle stuff the cables in

 

[Scoop]

The rabbit comes out of it's hole, goes around the tree, and then goes back down it's hole.

I'm going down the rabbit hole every time I buy a new SXS ...

 

[Scoop]

I only use pure copper wire (solid or stranded). No copper-clad aluminum. Especially if you are soldering.

 

[LarryAmboy]

Hi,

I’ve got a tons of stuff to install that’s just been sitting in the corner. Part of that is 8 set of lights to install. What wire is everyone using for lights? Is there any pre-mesh installed wire spools out there, or a higher grade of wire with off-road type insulation/protection?

Coming from a car stereo background I used to use Stinger or KnuKonceptz copper wire, but the insulation on those is pretty soft, and I’d be worried about damaging it in the AZ desert.

Marine grade wire like Ancor with shrink tube crimps


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ODAMO]

Marine grade wire like Ancor with shrink tube crimps


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Shrink tube connectors are the way to go for sure

 

[Joe_none]

Silicone insulated wire and adhesive shrink wrap. I like the higher temp rating as some things route near the engine/exhaust,cooling system. The adhesive also helps keep the water out with the shrink wrap.