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Old 01-08-2015, 06:46 PM   #1
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LED wire size

Can someone give me a quick idea on proper wire size (gage) for LED lights? Thanks
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Old 01-08-2015, 07:09 PM   #2
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Good day,

I add 2 rows of LED strip over the 2 roof locker (road and curb sides) in my 23FB trailer.Total amperage of these is about 1.5 Amp. To maintain some integrity with the factory's wiring, I install 14 AWG cabling (rated to 15 Amp) instead of small size cabling. I notice that Airstream install 12 AWG cable for 12 volts socket deployment.

Michel
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Old 01-08-2015, 07:28 PM   #3
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Michel is right.. use the 14 automotive stranded... if you can get the Marine grade, it has more strands...then go for it.. and, SOLDER connections.
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Old 01-08-2015, 07:41 PM   #4
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The current required for the LED's is minimal, so I am guessing that AWG 18 or 20 would be fine. But, in an RV another consideration is the mechanical strength of connections, etc., therefore, I use 14 AWG in almost all the applications except for the final two inches attaching to the LED, in which case to an LED strip i use 20 or 22 AWG as it solders with much less heat, avoiding damage to the LED strip.

Another thing to remember, to avoid mechanical damage from chafing, sharp edges, etc., I place my wires in a loom in most case, and/or protect from specific image as they pass through hoes, etc. An example, when I installed the feed for a third puck light in my bathroom, the entire two wire connection was covered in shrink tubing.

Alana_Mods_Phase_IV_12.20.14 by Fantinesvoice.com, on Flickr

Note, the third puck was changed to the same color as the other two post installation.

Here is a photo of the LED strips in my closets on each side of the bed.

Alana_Mods_Phase_I_11.21.14-6 by Fantinesvoice.com, on Flickr

Note, the 20 AWG wires soldered to the LED strips have been contained in shrink wrap tubing. I sue this for almost any place where a mechanical issue may exist, and in an RV, this is virtually everywhere.
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Old 01-08-2015, 11:59 PM   #5
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One thing to remember, The fuse size is related to the wire size .

So if you have a factory circuit with 14 gauge wire that is protected by a 20 amp fuse and you add a 18 or 20 gauge wire at the end of the circuit and it shorts the smaller wire will fry before the fuse blows, not a good thing.

So if the circuit has only the LED's on it you should reduce the fuse size to protect the smallest gauge wire in the circuit.

I found this handy chart for 12 volt circuits and American Wire Gauge sizes for the Amp vs length at http://www.offroaders.com/tech/12-vo...gauge-amps.htm
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Old 01-10-2015, 09:32 AM   #6
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Fuse size

I forgot to mention that I put in line 3AG fuse 2 Amp. glass fuse to prevent any overheat wire issue. Also, I use 90 degrees Celsius rated wiring cable.

If you need pictures, just let me know.

Michel
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