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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Portland, Oregon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dude View Post
Break-Break

New question/direction -- how does everyone drop in higher gauge wires downstream from the headlight relays? Do you tear into the existing wire harness and replace the old ones or something else?
You can use the existing wiring for standard wattage bulbs (55 or 65) but it is prudent to go larger if you might ever want more wattage.

The two high beams will draw 130 watts (11 amps), the two low beams 110 watts (9 amps). If you go with 100 watt bulbs, total power is 200 watts (16 amps).

As far as wire sizing (https://www.stateelectric.com/resources/allowable-ampacities-of-conductors for capacity of various wire sizes and THHN type:

10 gauge - 480 watt (40 amps) capacity
12 gauge - 360 watt (30 amps) capacity
14 gauge - 300 watt (25 amps) capacity
16 gauge - 216 watt (18 amps) capacity

Wire size should always be at least expected demand plus 10% for safety. You fuses should NEVER exceed the ampacity of the wires.
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Old 12-31-2023, 02:40 PM
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