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Cable size


rulloyd

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Does anyone know the size (capacity?) of the unfused brown power cable between the Solomon’s and the ignition switch please? Its  thicker than most of the other cables as I presume it powers most circuits.  It look bigger than the 17amp cable I have sitting around.

i want to install a new cable as mine got accidentally melted…

many thanks

Rich

 

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When looking at cable size and ratings on any chart, be careful because gauge, diameter and cross sectional area all need consideration. Even then, if bunched up or in a hot place you need thicker wire.

It also differs between the UK and USA.

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Thanks Wagger.  Yes, ‘standard’  17amp wire is a lot thinner than 3mm.  I actually got the wire size from auto sparks uk who provided the loom in the first place and very good.  I’m actually replacing it with 27amp cable which has a silimar cross section as I couldn’t wait for a delivery from auto sparks 

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For everyone’s interest, here’s the consequence of a shorted wire.  B4AE7B64-426E-4EF4-A094-9F36D4922277.thumb.jpeg.7ea4885b1e75baeff7ae39d7ea920932.jpeg

I’m taking the tape insulation of the length of the shorted wire, checking the other wires and replacing the damaged wire.  What a hassle

The damage in the pic was hidden from view till I took it out, in fact it was face down on the bulkhead and the car was driving fine.  There are a few similar damaged sections.  Scary.

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Hi.
Cable size.
Could mean overall diameter or area (CSA). This was mentioned previously.

The CSA (Area) only dictates the resistance of the cable/wire, nothing else.
The insulation, proximity of other cables  & maximum operating temperature dictate the maximum current during overload (Fuse type & rating important).
Reduced Voltage drop is guaranteed if CSA is increased. Volt drop is inevitable. I think a 10% reduction is noticeable on lights/lamps.

I would buy thin-wall wire/cable as it is possible to buy the same OD & have a higher CSA.
If you drive your car in salt water, single colours are available in tinned copper.
Cheers,
Iain.

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  • 3 months later...

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