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View Full Version : LED Lights - What Gage of Wire?



Canuckle Head
05-18-2011, 02:22 PM
Can anyone tell me what gage of wire they used for their cupholder (superflux) and speaker ring led lights? 16 gage?

Thanks in advance.

ian ashton
05-18-2011, 02:28 PM
I think I used 16awg because it is what I had a lot of. They draw next to no current, I wouldn't be too worried about what gauge you use. Whatever is cheap and handy.

philwsailz
05-18-2011, 03:10 PM
I recently installed some color changing LEDs in a sailboat and I got away with wiring them with 4-conductor phone wire. I probably went too small, but it seems to have not lost any intensity.

18 ga is the smallest wire allowed for general use for new boat construction, so I would think that if you choise that as a smallest size you would be okay.

Phil
Kicker

Canuckle Head
05-18-2011, 03:12 PM
Thanks guys!

New Guy
05-18-2011, 04:37 PM
I recently installed some color changing LEDs in a sailboat and I got away with wiring them with 4-conductor phone wire. I probably went too small, but it seems to have not lost any intensity.

18 ga is the smallest wire allowed for general use for new boat construction, so I would think that if you choise that as a smallest size you would be okay.

Phil
Kicker

I used 4 conductor phone wire and I haven't noticed a loss either.

bergermaister
05-18-2011, 05:28 PM
Yeah, I'm thinking 16ga is overkill? I'm running pretty thin to all my leds - maybe 22ga and never a problem with heat or anything.

Razzman
05-18-2011, 06:00 PM
22 gauge is fine, that's all mine are as well. With an average 4ma draw it's nothing. BUT for longevity of the wire and abrasion resistence I would go with Phils recommend and run 18ga or the 4 conductor phone.