4crosses

Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #1

I'm no expert on electrics so would appreciate some advice. I want to fit a new light to illuminate the rear of my LR Defender pick-up. I plan to run cables to/from my battery Using this light:

LABCRAFT S15 NEBULA 12V VOLT SWITCHED 24 LED INTERIOR STRIP LIGHT CARAVAN/MARINE | eBay

Can someone please tell me what size and amp of wire I should be using as there are issues with using too thin a wire apparantly.

Thanks.

 

Kwakerman

Well-Known Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #2

Total power used is 12 watts which roughly equates to 1 amp current draw. Add 50% margin and you are looking for a wire that is rated for 1.5 amps

 

Barbados

Active Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #3

Wire is not rated in amps, it's rated by size or gauge called AWG

24 LEDs X .5 watts= 12 watts.

P (watts or power) = I (current in amps) X V (volts) THEREFORE I = P/V = 12/12= 1 amp.

For a distance of 10 feet, 12 or 10 guage wire should be enough, don't forget to install a fuse at the power source.

Take a look here for a good explanation on choosing wire gauges.

How to determine the best wire gauge

 

Barbados

Active Member

• Jun 8, 2015

• #4

Kwakerman beat me to it as I was giving you formulas

It's good for you to become a bit familiar with the basics of 12 electric principles.

Forgot to add, that as the numerical value goes down, the thickness and current handling of the wire goes up.

So for example, a 10 gauge wire, is thicker and will carry more current than say a 12 or 14 gauge wire.

 

4crosses

Member

• Jun 9, 2015

• #5

Thanks again fellas. This website to the rescue once again, excellent feedback.

 

Barbados

Active Member

• Jun 9, 2015

• #6

4crosses said:

Thanks again fellas. This website to the rescue once again, excellent feedback.

Click to expand...

The way it should be

Post pics when done please. Nice to see the end results and a helpful thread for others seeking same.