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wire is wire right

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by ykp53, Sep 19, 2007.

  1. ykp53
    Joined: Jun 26, 2006
    Posts: 429

    ykp53
    Member
    from macon ga

    hey after getting greif from the parts guy at summit for keeping my car 6 volt, he told me that a 14 ga wire for 6 volt is different than a 14 ga for 12volt. this guy is a idiot right wire is wire? or should i look for something different? its my car if i want to keep it 6volt so be it.....
     
  2. Scudrunr
    Joined: Sep 10, 2007
    Posts: 7

    Scudrunr
    Member
    from Colorado

    No the guy is a fool. However the gauge wire that you would want to use does vary with the voltage and current. The same component on your 6v system would most likely require a heavier gauge because you will draw more amps for the same amount of work. Amps is what creates heat and necesitates a larger wire
     
  3. rodknocker
    Joined: Jan 31, 2006
    Posts: 2,265

    rodknocker

    true, that guy at summit doesn't have any interest in 6v systems, but I'd look at somebody like these guys to help you out http://www.waytekwire.com/
     
  4. pasadenahotrod
    Joined: Feb 13, 2007
    Posts: 11,772

    pasadenahotrod
    Member
    from Texas

    Bulbs are dim all over, aren't they?
    Wire gauge is wire gauge, what matters is what amperage more than voltage. Your buddy didn't notice that 6V wiring is always heavier than 12V did he? That's cause the amperage is higher in a 6V system. Heck 12V modern cars have a lot of wire that's like fishing line, m***ive use of relays, switching in the ground side of circuits, etc.
     
  5. Scudrunr
    Joined: Sep 10, 2007
    Posts: 7

    Scudrunr
    Member
    from Colorado

  6. GrantH
    Joined: Aug 10, 2006
    Posts: 523

    GrantH
    Member

    hes right....and wrong. 14 gauge on a 12 volt system, where you may want 12 gauge on a 6 volt. as its more amperage to do the same work, as far as what's been said so far. Wire doesn't care about voltage, but it WILL get hot/melt depending on amperage. The current going through it...all that jazz is why the proper gauge is needed.
     

  7. It's the insulation that cares about voltage!;)
     
  8. GrantH
    Joined: Aug 10, 2006
    Posts: 523

    GrantH
    Member

    Care to explain? I've seen 48+ hydro setups run off your run of the mill wire you would use on a 12v setup...
     
  9. GTS225
    Joined: Jul 2, 2006
    Posts: 1,301

    GTS225
    Member

    Grant.....there is wire with insulation rated for communication use, that the insulation can only handle about 50 volts before it starts to break down and allow shorting through the insulation. The ratings go up, and your typical auto wiring is probably rated for low voltage. The insulation on house-type wiring is typically rated at 600 volts.

    Roger
     
  10. GrantH
    Joined: Aug 10, 2006
    Posts: 523

    GrantH
    Member

    I could see that, I figured we were talking strictly automotive...

    Now, call those setups "correct" or not, I wouldn't know the truth, but I don't take it as a special type wire for the low riders using 48 volt setup. Least the one I saw wasn't.

    Learn something new everyday, can't wait for tomorrow.
     
  11. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    And don't forget: Wire for positive ground has the strands twisted in the opposite direction from wire for negative ground. Don't confuse your electrons!
     
  12. 52plybizcoupe
    Joined: May 28, 2002
    Posts: 558

    52plybizcoupe
    Member
    from Brier Wa.

    just remember all wire is not created equal boat wire is considerably better because it is tined bit is also more expensive
     
  13. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 60,026

    squirrel
    Member

    good one Bruce!

    if you want an example of insulation being rated for voltage, look at a spark plug wire...they carry 10,000 volts or more
     

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