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Thread: 12 Volt Wire Size & Length Calculator

  1. #1

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    12 Volt Wire Size & Length Calculator

    Hey Gang,

    I'm pretty good at a lot of things, but electrical systems, circuit loading and wire sizing isn't one of them.
    My concern grew out of the size/capacity (Total Fused Circuit Amps) of the fuse block compared to the total load capability of the single ground wire.
    Anyway, I thought you all might have the same concerns so I wanted to share this wire size calculator that I use to help me pick wire sizes and lengths.

    https://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator-_ep_41.html

    Have A Great Day!

    Steve

    NOTE: .. I've added a grounds for each high load item.. (Lights & Cooling Fan)..to create additional redundancies in the grounding of my electrical system.
    Last edited by GoDadGo; 05-05-2019 at 08:14 AM.

  2. Thanks Mark Eaton, WIS89 thanked for this post
  3. #2
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    Thanks Steve. An excellent resource.
    Jim

  4. #3
    Mark Eaton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by GoDadGo View Post
    Hey Gang,

    My concern grew out of the size/capacity (Total Fused Circuit Amps) of the fuse block ground compared load capabilities of the fuse box ground wire.
    Thanks Steve, It has become very clear to me from reading multiple "electrical" threads how important a robust grounding system is. I have added multiple grounds including to the engine block/heads. I did not add any extra ground wire to the RF fuse block, have you?

    Mark
    MK4 #9130 , complete kit, arrived 8/10/2017, Street Legal 2/14/2020.
    DART SHP 347, EFI, TKO600, IRS
    http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...n-Build-Thread

  5. #4
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    Looks pretty good to this 30 year industrial electrician at 13.8v / 5% drop, and use one size larger than minimum for the length of wire.

    It does get wonky if you look at realistic starter amperage ranges (400-800), but that is a very short term and self regulating load - #2 is the biggest you'll need for these cars.
    Last edited by mike223; 05-05-2019 at 08:30 AM.

  6. #5

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mark Eaton View Post
    I did not add any extra ground wire to the RF fuse block, have you?
    Mark,

    No, I didn't add an additional ground to the fuse block, but I did attach it in two places to the frame.
    I also have two grounds on my engine block and two grounds from the battery to the frame.
    I guess that makes me Mr. Duplicity from a grounding perspective.

    Steve

  7. #6

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    Steve
    Thanks for sharing the calculator. Im done with my wiring but this would have made things easier. Ill use it for future projects.
    build thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...-USRRC-vspeeds

    Build School: July 14-16, 2017
    Kit purchased: July 25, 2017
    Kit delivered: September 13, 2017
    First Start: December 22, 2018
    Body painted and kit completed and drivable: July 2019 (but still not done)
    CA SB100 Registration: January 2020

    Mk4 - 289 USRRC Roadster kit, Roush 427SR with Schneider Racing custom camshaft, Fitech EFI, TKO600 (.64-5th gear), 15" wheels, stock brake calipers, under car exhaust with Spintech 7000 muffler, no roll bar, Russ Thompson turn signal, removable steering wheel, and many other small upgrades and modifications

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