My friend asked me to post this on the board.
is there a problem with using primary wire in a vehicle
is there a problem with using primary wire in a vehicle
Wire : Common or Primary
- Thread starter shnerby
- Start date
a wire is a wire. your concern should be to use stranded, not solid. Also make sure it is the proper gauge (size) for the equipment it is powering.
One more thing, if wiring is in engine compartment, make sure the insulation is rated for automotive underhood use.
I installed some lights & the wire I had to work with said "Boat Cable". Seems to work fine so I guess wire is wire.
In other words. Never use this for automotive install's.
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For those reading this thread that might not know why not to use solid wire for automotive applications, why don't one of you that knows the exact reason explain it?
I think it has to do with the power being carried over a bunch of smaller wires flows better rather than over one big wire.
I also suspect it has something to do with automotive applications having a lot of vibrations which stranded cable will handle by being able to flex whereas solid would tend to fail over time as well as loosen connections. But that is only a guess. I was hoping someone would actually step in and give an experts answer.
Like mentioned solid wire will not take vibrations well or repeated bending such as running a wire through the door frame for mirror beams, this will cause it to eventually break. Another big concern is that solid wire will not flex as easily and will tend to rub against anything close which will in turn cause a short, and should you not protect your wires with fuses properly it will very likely cause alot more damage. Its also much easier to run strandad wire through a vehicle where it requires more turn than a house.
I do remember someone saying that DC current runs on the outside of wire therefore having more strands will decrease resistance, whereas AC current runs through the core so having one solid wire decreases resistance. I am not positive on this just heard it before.
I do remember someone saying that DC current runs on the outside of wire therefore having more strands will decrease resistance, whereas AC current runs through the core so having one solid wire decreases resistance. I am not positive on this just heard it before.