Dorman Electrical Wire

Can anyone let me know if this wire (from AZ) is any good?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...ical-wire/_/N-25r0?itemIdentifier=163451_0_0_


They show two options for sale, this at $6.99 for 30', and Painless Wiring 50' for $19.99.

Any advice on which if either is any good for wiring up some bed led lights. Need something sturdy as these are marketed as "extreme conditions" lol.

Tks for any advice or any other options from other stores. (AZ is the closest

 

you could always just go get some higher gauge wire hanging on the shelf like around 10gauge that would probably work for you better 16 gauge is kinda small

 

That's 16 gauge wire, you won't have a problem with the draw of current.... IMHO.

... Do use an appropriate size fuse though, as it depends on the wattage and the number of lamps used.

Post pics when you're done.

 

Tks guys, yea I've already done the calculations on the wire and figured out it would work fine for my low draw led lights. (And no doubt will have it fused as well) Will definitely post pics post project too.

My main question was more about finding a good quality outdoor and durable wire to use. Need something that will last a while and stand up to rough conditions outside the truck. Was hoping the AutoZone wire would suffice due to the close location. I have lowes and hd as well though.

 

You will be fine with the Vato-zone wire AWG is the most important thing. I know you said you were good with the amp draw on the 16AWG but I would opt for #14 or even #12. I never run anything smaller than #12. I find that #16 just wants to coil back up while installing.

 

Great, thanks for chiming in. Exactly the type of info I was looking for. I ran the numbers on both gauge (16 and 14) and figured either would work. However the coiling info is great info. I'll go with 14 or 12 at this point to avoid the frustrations with the 16. Just wanted to make sure folks haven't had problems with the "vato-zone" options.

Tks bud-

 

Use LEDs for bed lights, a 12" strip is only 1.5 watts and you could probably run the LEDs around the bed rail with the #16. #10 is way overkill, even #12 is overkill. 12 is rated for 30 amps or so.

 

Tks bud, at this point I'm going with 16' waterproof flexible led strip lighting with an in cab illuminated switch, fused off the battery and grounded at the switch and lights, using probably 14 AWG wire. I have the LB so after doing some measuring I think the 16.4' strip will work perfect.

 

Nah any auto parts brick and mortar store wiring will suffice. If you were to go with Painless its all about product name.

Though I agree 100% that #12 is overkill for the amount of current thats being used I still would run #12.

 

Gotcha, yea I figured the painless version was just marketing hype but wanted to confirm it with you guys first.

I guess either gauge will work fine for my needs, it really comes down to which is easier to work with when winding it through the trucks tight spots.

 

Yea #14 is more than ample for your application, just depends on if you're willing to pony up a few more beans for #12. The price difference between the two is negligible, though I do understand some people are on a tight budget.

 

You are right, I am a state licensed electrician and only run 12 in my truck. I did run 16 for strips in my tool box but that has since been removed and replaced by 12. Plus I get 500' rolls of it (dekoron brand) for $75

 

Nice I am as well been doing commercial and residential installations for 22 years, though now I just kinda sit in the office and pretend to work.

 

That's why I love this site. Great feedback and advice from experienced (and licensed) members.

Really appreciate ya'll taking the time to chime in. Looking forward to my first wiring project. If I don't burn my truck down, I'll post pics. If I burn it down then you'll see me in the FS/WTB section. "WTB: Tacoma with bed lights already wired in."

 

Man that's amazing. $75 for 500'. Nice! At the cost of the wire at AZ, that'd work up to about $116 for the same roll (prior to any taxes/shipping).

 

So my last question, with respect to the different gauges, should I be concerned with the length of run I'm planning? ie. battery to switch to rear of corner of longbed. ?? I'll probably go with #12 or #14 at this point (most likely 12) but I remember reading that longer runs can be a concern?