12 gauge wire for each connection?

whaNcock · Dec 9, 2010

I'm rewiring my 1950 8N 12V front mount. Most wiring diagrams I've seen show the use of 18, 16, and 12 gauge wire depending on the connection. Is there any reason NOT to use 12 gauge stranded wire for every connection other than straight off of the battery? I have plenty of it, and cost is not a concern here. Thanks for your help.

Sawatch 8N · Dec 9, 2010

I have a large spool of 12 & 14ga automotive wire and other than battery to whatever I use it.

Den N Ms · Dec 9, 2010

whaNcock,Yes your 12 gauge wire will work for everything on your N.It just kind of a over kill in most places.And if cost is not a concern order you a color coded,pre terminaled wiring harness.

JMOR · Dec 9, 2010

(quoted from post at 21:38:18 12/09/10) I'm rewiring my 1950 8N 12V front mount. Most wiring diagrams I've seen show the use of 18, 16, and 12 gauge wire depending on the connection. Is there any reason NOT to use 12 gauge stranded wire for every connection other than straight off of the battery? I have plenty of it, and cost is not a concern here. Thanks for your help.

arger, smaller gauge number, is always safe.

oldtanker · Dec 9, 2010

12 gauge will work just fine. The bigger guage wiring will handle a higher amp load.

The wiring harness on these old tractors is so simple I wouldn't bother paying for one. I would suggest that you solder all connections and use shrink tubing. Crimp on connectors will work but are subject to moisture and vibrations.

I rewired a garden tractor that is outside all the time and untill a few years ago was used year round. After the rewire job I have had no problems with the electrical system at all. In fact I mounted the blower and snow cab on it this years so my father in law can use it. The cab lights work just great that were installed about 7 years ago. Just unplug the factory head lights and plug in the cab lights! I do have to put a new battery in it now but it's about 3 years old.

Rick

Pauls9N · Dec 10, 2010

12ga is Ok. You may want to use different colors so you can trace things later on.

whaNcock · Dec 10, 2010

Thanks, everyone.

Ramrod · Dec 10, 2010

The 12 gauge wire is overkill and will take up more room in tight spots and make bigger, stiffer bundles. You couldn't use it on headlights for instance, won't fit in the drilled bolt hole. It will work fine otherwise. As others said, color code to make future troubleshooting easier, and solder all crimp on connectors after crimping. Convulted loom makes for a very nice looking and well protected harness.

I have rewired my NAA three times, and I think it is perfect now. On v3.0, I used all different color wire, ignition, lighting, and horn relays, solder, heat shrink, convulted loom, and added moisture resistant connectors to the harness so I can split my tractor by simply unplugging the harness. The latest version including the connectors came after I had to cut my wiring harness to split it and fix a leak in the tranny.

did I mention that I also added satellite radio?

don b1 · Dec 10, 2010

Ramrod......not trying to be smart but.....how many amps does most alternators put out and how many amps will 12 ga.handle?Think about it. don b1

Ramrod · Dec 10, 2010

That is smart and no prob, I thought he had it covered, but he said battery, not alternator/generator. I almost mentioned that, so I better now...

Don't use 12 gauge from alternator or generator as the battery charge current will exceed the 20 amp max for 12 gauge. I would use 8 gauge for alternator, unsure of generator max, but 10 gauge at least, 8 gauge would be better.

JMOR · Dec 10, 2010

8-10-12...wouldn't worry much about it. It will all burn if you develop a short. Battery good for several hundred amps & no fuses.

12 gauge wire for each connection?

whaNcock

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