Hella 4000 Wiring
Baja
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,888
Likes: 787
From: Huntington Beach CA
Like I said, 10 would work, but if it gets hot enough it will cook the insulation. 10ga is rated for 30A at 25C, the engine compartment would be well hotter than that. The derating would end up at around 20A. Now, because these lights will likely not be on all the time, you might be ok with 10ga.
For comparison, my 240w light bar came with 10ga wire. That wire still gets hot if I have the bar on for long periods of time. 240w @ 12v is 20A. 10ga is rated for 30A. 400w @12v is 33.333A. It's right on the cusp. 8ga is rated for 45A, which is overkill, but would definitely give room for running the lights for long periods in hot temps
For comparison, my 240w light bar came with 10ga wire. That wire still gets hot if I have the bar on for long periods of time. 240w @ 12v is 20A. 10ga is rated for 30A. 400w @12v is 33.333A. It's right on the cusp. 8ga is rated for 45A, which is overkill, but would definitely give room for running the lights for long periods in hot temps
This is the wire that I'm thinking: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-1...e-Foot/3129527
Thoughts? How much of it should I get?
Thoughts? How much of it should I get?
Camel Trophy
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3,969
Likes: 859
From: Britainistan, UK
IMHO go with tinned marine grade cables or wiring for soldering your connections. Marine grade wiring has better resistance to corrosion over time.
I prefer the Ancor brand. You can get it from a boat company or online.
I prefer the Ancor brand. You can get it from a boat company or online.
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