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an electrical question...

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Quincy1874 Seriously Crusin Dubber

117 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·

#398462
I need to rewire some old wornout electrical cables on my 1.8ltr.
Do I need a certain type of wire? Does the ampage of the wire matter? Gauge??

Craig.

Purple Martin Fahrvergnugen

913 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·

#398471
The guage does matter, the wire needs to be thick enough to carry the current. Rule of thumb: make sure the wire can carry MORE current than the fuse for that circuit. That way the fuse blows before the wire catches fire! That is what fuses are for.

It's also a good idea to use the same colour wire as the original if possible. If that's not possible, go with red for hot (+12V) and black for the ground side.

If you are soldering, only use electrical solder (plumber's solder is corrosive and will eat your connections over time).

Wrap all joints, soldered bits, spade fittings etc with electrical insulating tape to reduce vibration: this will make the connections last much longer.
1959 red & white Beetle
1975 Kombi camper

blutopless2 DAMSLO

2,457 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·

#398525
depending upon what the wires are for will determine how big you need to go. for most of the car you can use 1.5mm or 2.5mm wire. dont quote me on it but i think 2.5mm can carry up to 20amps.
insulated crimp lugs are an alternative to soldering.
see.... air and water do mix 😉

1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro

Quincy1874 Seriously Crusin Dubber

117 posts · joined Apr 2005 ·

#399672
Thanks people.
Thats a great help.

Where is the best place to buy such wire and crimps?

Craig.

killakornkobb where's that clutch?

1,663 posts · joined Mar 2004 ·

#399689
dick smith or tandy's
Tagedeezee Heezy