18 Gauge Wire

[Nyuu]

So I've searched the internet and the forums, and haven't found a "safe" definite answer. Today I bought 18 gauge wire to set up my distribution circuit that I'll eventually add my LEDs, USB ports, etc to.

I wanted to go with 12-14 gauge wire, but Radioshack only had 18 gauge wire at my store. My question is, will 18 gauge wire still be plenty fine, or am I pushing it dangerously?

I want a double USB port, an LED underbody kit, the retro fit projector, and eventually a radar detector maybe for shits and giggles. I may also switch out all stock lights with LEDs to gain a little more available power, but we'll leave that out of the calculations for now.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Marthy]

On top of my head 18G is good for 15 amps, but double check that. Go to any Autoparts Store. You will find all the wires, connector that you need.

 

[tatty2012]

I'm no expert, but I think that may be pushing it a little close. I would typically use, at least, 14 guage, IMHO.

That's my .02.

 

[FitZ6R]

You are using a fuse, right?

The usual guidelines are:

18 ga 5 A
14 ga 10 A
12 ga 20 A
10 ga 30 A

 

[JonKerr]

Any hobby shop that sell rc cars should have larger gauge wire too. I ran all mine in 14awg that i had and never used in racing. We always used 12

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[Nastybutler]

I wouldn't use anything less than 14 guage, and 12 would be better.

Also, you should add a relay along with the fuse as others have suggested.

 

[MNGreg]

Is there some diagram or how-to for wiring up a relay circuit? So that a wire can just go from the ground and positive to this and then other items can plug into that instead of the battery for +/-? I need something like this because I am getting crowded on the battery. I see a manufactured one on twisted throttle, but I would prefer a personal built one for cost factor.

 

[Nyuu]

Is there some diagram or how-to for wiring up a relay circuit? So that a wire can just go from the ground and positive to this and then other items can plug into that instead of the battery for +/-? I need something like this because I am getting crowded on the battery. I see a manufactured one on twisted throttle, but I would prefer a personal built one for cost factor.

This is sort've what I've been going off of: .: Distribution Block / Powered Relay | Canyon Chasers Motorcycle Sport Touring :.

If the images don't show up, click on their Techniques link at the top, then go to workshop, and click on Distribution Block / Relay. That'll make the images work.

I'm using slightly different materials, like 12 gauge wire instead of 18 gauge. I just returned the 18 gauge. I'm about to go mess around with this setup.

 

[dart1963]

you'd be fine with 18awg... for a few things current wise...

other things to consider are heat (either the cable can handle wiring near engine, or you carefully route it away from heat) and it's durability against cuts. I ran a 12awg x three conductor (one for a spare for future use) and it's outdoor uv, industrial grade, abrasion resistant stuff we had laying around work spare from a job... good stuff, but I wouldn't buy it at $2/ft personally.

usb is only 1amp per port, led use next to nothing, radar and gps may draw a bit more. Fuse it to 5amps like FitZ6R suggested and if you need to run another line later go for it (or run two or three lines now and fuse each separately).

Here's some sites to use

Wire Capacity Chart

and more specifically:

American Wire Gauge table and AWG Electrical Current Load Limits with skin depth frequencies

with an 8 ft. run at max 5amps, you'll see a half a volt drop, not too bad for a couple of things

 

[BrueThru]

Home Depot and Lowes will carry any kind of wire you will need for this application.

Stay away from Radio Shack. They over price everything.

 

[Nyuu]

Alright I went and got 12 gauge everything going to try this all tomorrow night. Thanks for the advice everyone, doesnt hurt to be safer.

@Dart: Would you be able to throw together a diagram for me? Ill trust you more than the website I posted up above. Just to ensure I hook things up correctly. I have a good understanding of the diagrams.

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[dart1963]

use FitZ6R's from a while back, it is that simple:

http://www.600cc.org/forum/f87/help-need-switched-12v-connection-grip-heaters-17642/#post229574

 

[Nyuu]

Where does the distribution block / circuit block go on there?

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[dart1963]

At the power to accessories, that way the whole block is only powered when the bike is on.

 

[Nyuu]

You're awesome, Ill post my experience tomorrow!

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