Automobile wire

[plow]

What type is it? I know it's not THHN but that's about it. I'm making my own wiring harness and need to buy some various colored wire to do it. Painless has 25' rolls (I haven't priced them yet) that will do what I need.


Not sure if this needs to be in free parking or not

 

[nine4gmc]

http://www.automotivewire.info/automotiveprimarywire.htm

 

[barnjunkie]

Most automotive wire is not UL listed or recognized (if you were thinking of using it in an electrical application.) It has a lot thicker insulation, but is still only for low voltage application.
I personally think its the cheapest wire that can be made, but that's just my opinion.

 

[plow]

Most automotive wire is not UL listed or recognized (if you were thinking of using it in an electrical application.) It has a lot thicker insulation, but is still only for low voltage application.
I personally think its the cheapest wire that can be made, but that's just my opinion.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. It's for a truck wiring harness.

 

[plow]

http://www.automotivewire.info/automotiveprimarywire.htm

A search for "primary wire" on ebay got me where I need to be. Thanks.

 

[plow]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Rolls-100...le-Stranded-/161405018250?hash=item25947d208a


Copper clad aluminum???? I'm thinking no go for a harness. Especially things like Alternator and Aux power ports.

 

[nine4gmc]

I would go with pure copper on anything like that.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You could also look for machine tool wire, or MTW. In automotive applications, for a given gauge you want more strands of finer wire so it's more resistant to fatigue and breakage.

 

[rockwithjason]

You could also look for machine tool wire, or MTW. In automotive applications, for a given gauge you want more strands of finer wire so it's more resistant to fatigue and breakage.

what he said

 

[theoldwizard1]

The best primary wire is marine wire. It is pre-tinned stranded copper.

 

[RM209]

Car and truck manufacturers use wires that meet the SAE J1128 standard. Amazon occasionally has some good deals on stuff. Sounds like a fun project.

RM209

 

[MFolks]

For really heavy use,get some Welding Cable, it has many fine, unplated wires for flexibility. Maybe #6 or #4 AWG. It's available in two colors, RED and BLACK. Welding supply places might be able to crimp or swage on the correct size terminals at the end.

If not, a place that works on electric forklifts, or golf carts, should be able to help.

 

[My Old Tools]

Lots of sources, Summitt Racing, American Auto Wire, etc. Google is your friend.

 

[SALIV8]

I'm a big fan waytek.

Check out waytekwire.com

 

[justsam]

Another vote for Waytek. Good wire selections and I am a fan of the heat shrink terminals. Be advised good quality copper wire is not cheap.

 

[shamrock12]

I use GPT type automotive wires for general automotive wiring. Waytek is my primary source for this stuff.

 

[lilcraigford]

I was recently turned onto WireBarn. I stick to the cross-linked stuff, usually GXL. There is some good information regarding automotive wire types here: Automotive Wire Frequently Asked Questions

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

If your are looking for the correct colour coding from the original harness try Rhode Island Wire.

http://www.riwire.com/

They sell wire or complete harness's

I also use Vintage Connections for OEM connectors

http://vintageconnections.com/

 

[frank001]

You could also look for machine tool wire, or MTW. In automotive applications, for a given gauge you want more strands of finer wire so it's more resistant to fatigue and breakage.

Type MTW is what I would go for.







http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284998&highlight=frank001

 

[plow]

GREAT info here guys, thanks.

 

[86turbodsl]

I spent some time as an automotive wiring harness engineer.
You ALWAYS want stranded wire. For insulation, depends on what your terminations will be. If you plan to use connectors with waterproof seals, make sure you buy crosslinked polyethylene insulation, such as GXL/TXL. If you use PVC insulation, the insulation will cold flow away from the seal and give you a breach. If your terminals will be aftermarket type non-sealed, you can use whatever you want. Don't solder terminations if you can, the solder flows up the wire a ways and the wire will eventually break at the point the solder stops. Have fun.

 

[plow]

Thanks.