Board logo

Rear Light Wiring
OliilO - 1/4/14 at 05:06 PM

I would like to rewire the rear lights in my car as all the wiring currently goes from the centre to the near side lights then across to the offside. The wires from the front of the car and from n/s to o/s have been put in the same crimp connect, which I don't especially like.

So I'd like to split the n/s and o/s in the middle, thus making it neater and eliminating the two wires in a single fixing. I appreciate this isn't as good as having n/s and o/s running entirely separately with a fuse each, but I currently have no desire to get that involved.

To that end:

Is 8A rated wire, sufficient for rear lights? With my hazy memory of circuitry I think it is fine, if someone can confirm.

What is the best way to join the brake and sidelight wires in the middle? (from tunnel, to n/s and to o/s wires)

Thanks in advance.

Oli

jossey - 1/4/14 at 06:04 PM

Speak with mac1 they may have something to help you.

gremlin1234 - 1/4/14 at 06:34 PM

(assuming standard bulbs)
each brake light 21W, (~2 Amps at 12V)
side lights, + number plate, 0.5 A each
indicators 2A each, (ok 50% duty cycle, but counting max)
fog 2A
reversing 2A
total, for reversing in the dark & fog, with hazards on... 2x 2A brake + 2x 0.5A side + 0.5A numberplate + 2A fog + 2A reverse +indicators 2x2A
about 13 amps (for the chassis/ground wire) no more than 4A on any individual feed circuit

OliilO - 1/4/14 at 06:48 PM

Cheers, that's confirmed my thinking.

It all functions fairly satisfactorily at the moment, just looking to improve it as there has been the occasional loose connection from the two wires in once connector.

SteveWalker - 1/4/14 at 08:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
total, for reversing in the dark & fog, with hazards on... 2x 2A brake + 2x 0.5A side + 0.5A numberplate + 2A fog + 2A reverse +indicators 2x2A
about 13 amps (for the chassis/ground wire)


More like 12A (averaging the indicator current for 50% duty). However the cable rating will be for continuous use, it takes some time for an overload to warm the cable enough to start doing any damage. The chances of that 12A load existing for any appreciable length of time must be just about 0.

ashg - 1/4/14 at 08:23 PM

little warning with wire at the moment there is lots of fake chinese wire on the market with a low copper content and way way substandard insulation.

a good quality wire shouldn't smoke if you set light to it and it shouldn't keep burning for long after the lighter is removed. check your wire guys! wouldn't want to see anyone's pride and joy go up in smoke

TimC - 1/4/14 at 10:28 PM

It's alarming how much work can go into rear wiring.