Re-wiring H4s with relays, wiring temp. grade?

[Weaver]

With the help of plenty of good people from this BBS, I am re-wiring my H4s with relays and upgrading bulbs to 100/90 Narvas. What I am concerned about is wiring temperture specs.

I just purchased about $40 worth of 12 ga. wiring and I just noticed it is all rated to 80 degrees C. Thats about 175 F.

Do y'all think 175 degrees F is enough for the wires that are going to be inside the headlight bucket, near the back of the headlight, especially with bigger bulbs?

Thank you for your time.

[Wil Ferch]

No problem....

....first of all, you're running MUCH heavier gauge than stock, so the temp won't get as warm, even with the big watt bulbs...and...

....you're talking temp RISE above AMBIENT.... you gotta know what you're talking about with regard to the spec insulation rating. That would be 80 degC rise above (say) 20 degC. Check the basis of the specs.. I think this is correct.

Still... like you I was nervous in the vicinity of high temps...so I bought some expensive 3M , white fiberglass electrical tape ( from an industrial supply store...you won't find it in normal places) to wrap around the insulation....especially in the area behind/close to the headlight's backside....

- Wil

[Weaver]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
....especially in the area behind/close to the headlight's backside....

- Wil

Thanks for your reply Wil..

Behind the headlight is exactly where I was worried about. I planned on using Raychem heat shrink on everything, then covering the wiring leading up to the bulb socket with a thin firesleeve.

Thanks for your reply.