| [GMCnet] Running wire safely [message #90761] |
Thu, 01 July 2010 20:57  |
Gerald Work
Messages: 102
Registered: June 2010
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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Hi Pete,
Running heavy gage wire is not hard if you follow some simple safety rules.
First, never rely on the wire insulation alone to guard against damage from abrasion. A sacrificial 3/4" water hose and heavy wire ties are your friend here. Cut the hose lengthwise and insert the positive leg of the electric wire inside a hunk of this for 6" either side of ANY place that wire could rub on ANY frame or metal body part. Secure the hose closed over the wire with cable ties (use only good quality wire ties, do not buy them from places like HF!). "Saving" a few cents here could cost you big time.
Use good quality rubbered covered METAL cable clamps sized to fit properly over the outside of the hose - you want to hold the hose cable combo without crimping it or having so loose that it can move while going down the road. Screw these into the under side of wooden floor on the outside of the frame rails. Avoid the inside of the frame rails as those areas can become quite hot. Get as far away from the headers as you can.
Now for the most important rule, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use any kind of crimp on fitting on your wire ends. Most every good auto parts stores have an induction soldering facility whereby they can solder on any connection you need for a nominal cost. Use that service as it will save you all kinds of grief down the road.
Anywhere a metal wire end fitting connects to ANYTHING use a good quality anti corrosion grease. You do not want dissimilar materials to create any kind of electrolysis or corrosion. Do this for BOTH the positive and the negative wire ends. Both will carry the same current and any resistance in either will have the same negative effect on your system.
Finally, size your wire correctly. Do not scrimp here! Good quality 12 ga wire can carry up to 20 amps. 10 ga up to 30 amps and 6 ga up to 50 amps. For our applications do not go front to back with anything less than 4 ga. You will be traversing at least 30 feet and dc voltage will become an issue. 2 ga stranded welding wire would be better.
I know many on this chat group like to do whatever is cheapest, but this is simply not a good place to scrimp. Do it once, do it right, do it safely. Enjoy, hope this is helpful.
Jerry
Sent from my iPad
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