what gauge wire for frame harness

[Will]

I found a good source for connectors so I will make my own harness.Does anyone know what gauge wire is used for the frame and taillight harness.Thanks Will

[fordman]

i don't have a wire gage. but i am going to guess it at 14 gage. 12 wouldnt hurt it any. that is going larger. 16 would be going smaller. this link doesnt say what size wire they are using for the tail light plug. http://order.waytekwire.com/productdeta ... 20CONTACT/

[Racer Z]

I would consider using 14. 12 would be overkill. 16 would work, but the tail lights might not be as bright as they could be. Are you planning on pulling a trailer or having extra lights?

There is a formula for figuring this out. I don't know what it is, but you need to know the total wattage and the length of the wire. I think you need to use the voltage as well. The answer will tell you the wire gauge needed.

The bulbs have the wattage rating on them. 5 watts or so each. Add them all up. Measure the approximate run of the wire from the source (battery or alternator) to the last lamp. Add in some extra to cover the odd bends the wire needs to make. We know it's 12 or 13 volts.

Check out this calculator: http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

It tells me that a 30 amp load at 12 volts on a 35 foot run needs a 6 gauge wire: After the voltage drop there will be 11.1 volts available.

Hmm. I want a second opinion and most definitely the real facts, not my guessing game.

[fordman]

6 gauge is way to large. you can run a 100 amp house service on 4 gauge. 6 guage is used by ground as far as code is concerned.

[Racer Z]

6 gauge is way to large. you can run a 100 amp house service on 4 gauge. 6 guage is used by ground as far as code is concerned.

Yeah, I didn't like those figures either. In looking at the calculator again, it asked for amps, not watts. My basic concept is there, I just don't know how to apply it. I still think 14 gauge will be fine. The stock wires are 16 or 14.

Maybe somebody can explain it properly.

[Will]

Thanks guys I figured that it was probably 14 or 16 just wanted to double check with the experts.I will go with 14 just to play it safe.

[Thunderfoot]

Here is the link from the "Tech/Tutorials" page that shows the factory wire colors and sizes http://www.fordification.com/tech/wirin ... -chart.gif
They were usually 16 gauge but I would suggest upping it to 14 gauge as the 16 is a little underrated for that length epically if you add trailer lights on it.