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DC Wire Gauge (size) requirements?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by StaticFilter, Jan 3, 2010.

  1. Jan 3, 2010 at 2:43 PM
    #1
    StaticFilter

    StaticFilter [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Jason
    Cedar Hills, UT
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    2008 Blue FJ Cruiser
    Lifted, N-Fab steps, Roof rack light bar, Grill guard, Volant Snorkel (not installed ye)
    I'm an electrician, but I deal with mostly AC circuits from 120v-480v... I do some lower voltage stuff like Fire Alarm (24v). It's my understanding that DC systems need larger wire, is there a conversion chart or Allowable Ampacities of Conductors chart for DC systems?
    If I have 4 100 Watt lights on 12 volts DC it comes to 33.4 Amps, 12 and maybe 14 gauge wire would be okay if it was an AC circuit, but what about for DC?
    I pretty much want to find out if I can replace 2 of my 55w lamps with 100 watt lamps without running new wire
     
  2. Jan 3, 2010 at 4:26 PM
    #2
    DDD

    DDD Shine bright like a hymen

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    Derek
    Santa Clarita, CA
    It depends on the length of the wire, but 14 should be ok.

    Look at this.
     
  3. Jan 3, 2010 at 4:33 PM
    #3
    StaticFilter

    StaticFilter [OP] Well-Known Member

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    716
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    Male
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    Jason
    Cedar Hills, UT
    Vehicle:
    2008 Blue FJ Cruiser
    Lifted, N-Fab steps, Roof rack light bar, Grill guard, Volant Snorkel (not installed ye)
    Thanks! Exactly what I needed
     
  4. Jan 3, 2010 at 4:50 PM
    #4
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner Are these black helicopters for me?

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    Kevin
    Wichita Falls, TX
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    2011 taco, sport 4x4
    oil change...
    I use 12-14 for all my lightsz on my truck
     

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