12 Guage power wire???

Stillalive2029 · 06-25-2006, 01:38 PM

the carputer that i just bought asks for 12 guage power and ground wire, however there is no where that i can find that sells 12 guage power wire, nothing less than 8... can i just use 8 guage and solder the wires together, even though the 8 guage is a lot bigger wire than my power cable on my opus 120??

parksgm · 06-25-2006, 02:00 PM

Yes. Larger wire supplying smaller wire is never a problem. 8 gauge --> 12 gauge will work just fine. Soldering will work best, but it would still work well even without being soldered, as well as the wires were twisted together well.

Cris · 06-25-2006, 03:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by parksgm

Soldering will work best, but it would still work well even without being soldered, as well as the wires were twisted together well.

twisted together?

I doubt you won't be able to find a 10ga set, but as Parkgsm said, 8ga will work just fine. However, I'd advise you to change the Opus connector, as 8ga won't fit into it.

piabu · 06-25-2006, 08:36 PM

I second that. Twisting wires together and holding them with duct-tape is not recommended. Especially not in a permanent install in an automotive environment.

If you do not want to solder, at least get one of those connectors that uses screws to clamo down and connect wires. (What do you call them anyway?)

Redian · 06-25-2006, 08:40 PM

just get those connector tubes things, i went trigger happy with em. you can see them on my worklog,more specifically in the radio connector picture or on the picture of the trunk and amp...

Mrcat88 · 06-25-2006, 09:30 PM

I've never had an issue with using crimp connectors. I can't solder to save my life...I've tried too many times...I hate it.

Besides...you can't find 12g? WTF? All autoparts store have 12g wire in spools. I personally would never go that small, but if you must, you must.

Radiojack has 12g too. You can order it over the net. It's not hard to find.

parksgm · 06-26-2006, 08:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by piabu

Twisting wires together and holding them with duct-tape is not recommended.

If you do not want to solder, at least get one of those connectors that uses screws to clamo down and connect wires. (What do you call them anyway?)

No one mentioned duct tape... ;-)

Personally, I like to use heat shrink over my connections, as I find even vinyl electrical tape doesn't hold up well over the long term in the car. Plus, if you have to remove it, it often leaves a nasty black residue that sticks to everything and is difficult to remove.

If you don't want to go to the expense of buying screw-type interconnects for your power wire, you could use crimp on butt connectors...much like crimp on male/female spade connectors, but you crimp one wire in each end...they should be pretty secure (or as secure as any other crimp on connector).

EDIT...

I should read the entire thread before I post...I now see the crimp thingys were mentioned above. I conceed prior art to Redian.

Maheriano · 06-27-2006, 02:58 PM

Dude, I've found all kinds of 12 gauge stranded power wire, Home Depot has it. And up here in Canada I've seen it at The Source, Radio Shack, Canadian Tire, and a few auto shops.

Mrcat88 · 06-28-2006, 03:53 AM

I mentioned the crimp connectors, but parksgm mentioned something that I forgot...depending on the type of connection I'm making, I usually always use the crimp connectors with the heat shrink insulation already on them. The best ones are the crimps with heat shrink, but also have glue inside as well.

I used alot of them when I rewired my other vehicle, and I needed them to be waterproof (72 Bronco, off road situation)

But heat shrink it anyways....no tape. Also you can get heat shrink tubing with glue in it also, but it's hard to find. I'm still looking....it's like military stuff or something.

Also, just as an afterthought....avoid cutting and splicing at all costs. More splices = more problems.

ODYSSEY · 06-28-2006, 03:57 AM

Walmart carries 12G wire. Look in the automotive section.

parksgm · 06-28-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mrcat88

the crimp connectors with the heat shrink insulation already on them.

WOW! I had no idea they made such a thing (seriously). I'm almost as excited as I was when I discovered heat shrink for the first time.

Do you know where I purchase such a magical, waterproof, and secure connector? I've got some 4 gauge cable that needs some connectin', and that sounds more than perfect!

parksgm · 06-28-2006, 10:04 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ODYSSEY

Walmart carries 12G wire. Look in the automotive section.

Just FYI...WalMart has recently reorganized their automotive electronics section (at least here in Texas), and their product selection seems to have markedly diminished. Now, most of their wire seems to come in "AMP hookup kits" with RCA interconnects and the like.

Your mileage may vary.