alan0043 Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 Hi Everyone, I was looking for what size wire gauge I need for the rear lights. I looked in the resource guide with no luck on finding wire size. I am working on adding some LED lights ( running & turn signal ) to the rear of the truck. I need to build a small wiring hardness about 12 " long. It looks like the wire gauge size coming off the lights is 18 ga.. Is that correct ? It also looks like the stock wire size is 18 ga.. Using 18 ga. marine wire work for the small wire hardness ? I will be also using a Delphi Metri Pack 280 that can handle 5 wires for part of the hardness. Thanks for any help, Al Quote 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 18 gauge will work fine for LED's, I usually use 14 just because I have it handy. Quote I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanZemke Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 I've also standardized on 14 gauge for low current 12v. Easier for me, than dealing with multiple wire, connector and tool sizes, for low current needs. Quote Volvo 770, New Horizons Majestic and an upcoming Smart car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 18 or 16 is fine. For "educational purposes", the smaller the number the bigger the wire, every two numbers the gauges change, next number down is 14, typical for lights in your home (15 Amps), next down is 12 (20 Amps), all you outlets in your home, next down 10 (30 Amps), your washer/dryer/stove typically wired as 220VAC instead of 110VAC. 10 gauge is also good in DC applications to run from your truck batteries to trailer batteries and for ground for "everything" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyA Posted September 30, 2020 Report Share Posted September 30, 2020 You indicated "marine grade" wire. YES, absolutely! Much of the wire available through economy outlets is aluminum with a copper outer coating. That stuff is horrible. It corrodes rapidly and spools from China that say perhaps 14 gauge are NOT necessarily America Wire Gauge. China's 14 gauge generally works out to 18 AWG. To everyone adding wiring to your truck, PLEASE use only marine grade stranded copper. Marine grade will be "tinned" over the copper and the insulation has a higher UV and water protection jacket. Definitely worth the extra price. You will save money in the longer term by not having corrosion issues. Quote Randy, Nancy and Oscar "The Great White" - 2004 Volvo VNL670, D12, 10-speed, converted to single axle pulling a Keystone Cambridge 5th wheel, 40', 4 slides and about 19,000# with empty tanks. ARS - WB4BZX, Electrical Engineer, Master Electrician, D.Ed., Professor Emeritus - Happily Retired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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