What wire gauge would u use for this?

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

Im planning to add 4 100W lights to my rollbar, and i was wondering what wire gauge would u guys use on such application?
ill wire them to a single relay.

ive used those wire kits they sell for my bumper lights (4)55-60W, and it seems to get pretty hot. So ill replace all that wiring with the new gauge u guys recommend me. I have those running on independent wiring and relays, one pair of lights on its own wiring and relay.

Even the fuse holder will start gettin burnt after some time, its because of the thin wiring?


Thanks in advance.


RSH

 

[bobbywalter]

one relay?



pair of relays with 12 gauge on the load side should be plenty of overkill

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

12 gauge it is then.
And ill get another relay
thanks bobbywalter

 

[sheltonfilms]

P=V*I so 100watts=12 volts *I Amps

I= 8.3333 Amps for each light.

Now your supply wire before it splits is gonna have to let current flow for all the lights. So a total of 33.333 Amps. For short runs a 14 gauge can handle 40 Amps and a 12 can handle 60 Amps.

I would definitely go with the 12 gauge just to be sure.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

P=V*I so 100watts=12 volts *I Amps

I= 8.3333 Amps for each light.

Now your supply wire before it splits is gonna have to let current flow for all the lights. So a total of 33.333 Amps. For short runs a 14 gauge can handle 40 Amps and a 12 can handle 60 Amps.

I would definitely go with the 12 gauge just to be sure.

Thanks for the calculations, i totally forgot about that formula.
Yeah, i will go with 12g, and ill replace the one on the bumper lights too. Maybe one day ill get 100W bulbs for those lights.

 

[Ronv]

I also multiply the actual amperage by 125% for a saftey factor. The chart for #12 wire shows 25A.
400 W @12V =33.3 Amps x125% =41 A. I would personally use #10 and further I would also use Marine wire since it has finer strands (helps with vibration) and is tinned throughout(helps inhibit corrosion)

RonV

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Have you upgraded your charging system for the extra load and good marine grade battery terminals make it easier to add accessories pulling alot of juice. Also some in line fuses on those bigger wires just for giggles calculate the load and size the fuses 5 to 10 amps above that.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Truck-I...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a14d633b2 somthing like this for large guage wires.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

Thanks, guys,
Ill go with #10 for the wie that goes from the battery to the relay.
And #12 from there to each light.

I havent upgraded that much the charging system. I did went to a 65 series Motorcraft battery. Its meant to be for a 4.0 Explorer. 750CCA and about 140 amps.

Ive had the stereo banging for hours(i have an amplifier) and it starts right up, so i guess it will hold the lights fine.

 

[lone-wolf]

For short runs a 14 gauge can handle 40 Amps

Seems like a lot of current for 14gauge... I wouldn't let 14gauge wire see over 15amps.