Let’s look into different automotive wire types<\/strong> and their application in the automotive industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Automotive wire is any cable in the vehicle that supports such applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now many types of wires are working simultaneously to keep the vehicle running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Among them, the common cables you have heard of are the battery wire<\/a>, brake wire, primary cable and speaker cable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the wires look alike, their improper use will lead to constant system failure or, worst, engine fires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, it is important to research properly and make the right choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the three most common wire damages your vehicle can face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cables provide a path to the electricity to flow to various vehicle components. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When the wiring is no longer stable, it will affect normal functioning. Thus you can identify the problem if the following symptoms occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Specialists inspecting wires in a vehicle<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you are an expert in the field, you need to know the following terms for designing the automotive wiring harness<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amps or Amperage is the measure of load a wire can handle. It is the amount of electricity that can flow through the cable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, try to buy a wire with the same or more capacity than you need since overloading will cause damage to the whole system.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For beginners, the ability of a wire to carry current directly relates to its thickness and length<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This phenomenon works similarly to the water pipe phenomenon, where the farther a tap is from the garden, the greater the time it takes to reach its destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the pressure of the water will be less as the pipe\u2019s length increases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, if you use a thick pipe, the amount of water flowing will be greater than before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, small applications, like signaling components, will need low potential signals and can use thin wires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But heavy appliances like electric motors, alternators, etc., will need thicker wires for less voltage drop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For your help, we have mentioned a basic chart to select the wire for the potential you need. <\/p>\n\n\n The basic formula for Amps, Gauge, and Length of wire<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wire size is usually measured by gauge<\/a> size. Here the smaller values, like 8 Gauge, are thick, and as you go beyond, the wires become thinner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The size choice will depend on how much current you want to draw in for your system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, you can consult your manual and purchase accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since longer lengths offer higher resistance, we recommend using shorter wires for most components. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if the resistance is not a big deal for a circuit, you can also use long wires in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find automotive wires in two conductive materials, copper and aluminum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Copper is famous for its high conductive properties and flexibility and is less likely to corrode, but it can also be expensive at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Aluminum is cheaper and length-weighted, but it is less durable and can develop high resistance over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, most vehicle engineers choose copper over aluminum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vehicle wires usually use PVC, GPT material, or cross-linked sheathing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GPT has a good price here, while the cross-link insulation is heat-resistant and durable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, to choose the wire insulation<\/a>, it is best to look into the type of application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two types of connections, solder and solderless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soldering<\/a> is a difficult process and can lead to errors if not done properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, with many solderless connectors, it is now easier to terminate the wires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common solderless connectors<\/a> include ring, spade, and quick disconnect connectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Color-coding the automotive wires during fixture eases the repair process for different vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the truck has its color scheme, from using brown for the left light to using yellow for the right light, and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, the marine industry has standards that are understandable to ship experts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other than colors, you can add a color strip or print the label over the wires to make it recognizable when repaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cable bundling impacts its ability to release heat and cool down after the current passes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the bundle carries more than one wire, it can get hot and lose its current capacity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if the cables are bundled loosely, they can carry a good amount of charge from one place to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other than selecting the core material, it would be best to look at whether the core is solid or stranded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, solid wires are best for house cables and industrial use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, it is not advised to choose a solid core wire for your vehicle unless it is a baling cable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since vehicle wiring must be flexible, it’s best to choose stranded wires for better performance and less damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the common type of vehicle wires that you can buy from any hardware shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPT stands for General Purpose Thermoplastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These wires consist of a multistranded wire core and flexible insulation, making them suitable for smaller areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, they cannot endure outdoor conditions for longer and, thus, are best for interior applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it is just like GPT wire, the motor wire uses much finer strands of copper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it can withstand higher voltages, for up to 600V, and endure temperatures up to 221 degrees Celcius. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This cable connects the battery to the vehicle\u2019s other electrical components (starters, lights, etc.) and the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The gauge of the battery cable is smaller and hence, which means it is thicker than other wires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaker wires are manufactured for low-voltage uses, like sending the audio signals from the stereo unit to the car’s speakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember to fix its positive and negative wires correctly with the stereo system, or the speakers will not work properly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trailer wires work the same as GPT wires with special color scheming designed for the purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, you will see the same type of cable with green, brown, yellow, and white hues in the trailers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SXL wire is a bare copper wire with XLPE insulation on top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n TXL wire is stranded copper wire with the same cross-linked Polyethylene of XLPE<\/a> insulation, while the GXL is a single conductor wire with thinner XLPE insulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n XLPE insulation makes the wire prone to abrasion, heat, and age better than the GPT wire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, in applications like heavy machines, SXL wire is preferred as it gives extra durability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, TXL has thinner insulation than GXL and SXL; thus, they are best used in racing cars, lowering their weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GXL wire is a cross between TXL and SXL regarding durability and thickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Automotive wire bundle<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, you can use the house wires in your car. However, it’s not recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For most cases, a car wire will require thick conductors as it will pass high current levels on 12V, unlike using 120 to 240V like the house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, it will need a protective layer to withstand high temperatures and constant exposure to water, oil, and gasoline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the conductor type might be copper for both cases, still the cars will prefer stranded over solid for its flexibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the wire may be just like the home appliances cord but with different labels and color schemes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the correct wire for any application will make or break the deal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, you must be vigilant while gathering the requirements, as it will shape your decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, consider other external factors that can influence the installation of your wire of choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is an automotive wire?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common automotive wire damages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Signs your car has damaged automotive wires<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Automotive Wire Standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Automotive](\"https:\/\/wiretroop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-24.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAutomotive Wire Amperage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/wiretroop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2-22.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAutomotive Wire Gauge\/Size<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Automotive Wire Length<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Automotive Conductive Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Automotive Wire Insulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Automotive Wire Connections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Multi-colored Automotive Wiring, Striping, and Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Automotive Wire Bundling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wire Core Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Types of Automotive Wires<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
GPT or Primary Wire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Motor Wire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Battery Cable<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Speaker Wire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trailer Wire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
TXL, GXL, SXL Wire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can you use a house wire in a car?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Automotive](\"https:\/\/wiretroop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-15.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n