Wire Sizeing.
-
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2016 12:59 pm
- Contact:
Wire Sizeing.
I am considering rewiring my 1936 VG - can anyone give me some advice on which wire size I need?
Thanks
Stuart
Thanks
Stuart
- Bob.Murphy
- Holder of a Golden Anorak
- Posts: 1137
- Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:32 pm
- Location: Kirkliston, on the West side of Edinburgh.
- Contact:
Re: Wire Sizeing.
Stuart,stuart.munroe wrote:I am considering rewiring my 1936 VG - can anyone give me some advice on which wire size I need?
Thanks
Stuart
Are you going 'original' with a 6 volt system, or moving to 12 volts??
For a given Wattage, a 6 volt system will pass twice the current (Amps) of a 12 volt system and its Amps that generate heat. Its safer to go with heavier wiring on a 6 volt system.
I'm not sure which 'square mm' specification is appropriate off hand, I'll have a look at my bikes tomorrow.
Bob.
My avatar shows the late Len Rich in 1970 with the bike I now have - a 1958 Ariel VH
- simon.holyfield
- Holder of a Platinum Anorak
- Posts: 4700
- Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:16 pm
- Location: Norfolk
- Contact:
Re: Wire Sizeing.
You'll find that the choice is more about what looks appropriate. Old bike wiring doesn't carry much current - no starter, no big alternator - so 2.5 mm is plenty for most circuits.
The issue is that insulation is much thinner than in the past, and looks very modern. I used a 2.5 mm rubber cable intended for solar panels which I think looks better.
The issue is that insulation is much thinner than in the past, and looks very modern. I used a 2.5 mm rubber cable intended for solar panels which I think looks better.
cheers
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
Simes
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
-
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2016 12:59 pm
- Contact:
Re: Wire Sizeing.
Thanks for the help, I plan to use modern braided wire which looks original.
-
- Posts: 89
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2016 12:59 pm
- Contact:
Re: Wire Sizeing.
Thanks Bob I plan to leave it on 6 volt. Is 2.5mm suitable and is that the wire diameter rather than the outside diameter of the complete cable?
-
- Holder of a Silver Anorak
- Posts: 833
- Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:32 pm
- Location: S.Cumbria UK
- Contact:
Re: Wire Sizeing.
Hi Stuart, usually measured as the cross-section area of the conductor.
Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong.
Roger
Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong.
Roger
- Bob.Murphy
- Holder of a Golden Anorak
- Posts: 1137
- Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:32 pm
- Location: Kirkliston, on the West side of Edinburgh.
- Contact:
Re: Wire Sizeing.
2.5mm is the cross-sectional area of the copper wire inside the insulation. That is quite large for a 6volt system with a charging current of about 10Amps (60 Watts). It will therefore be fine tor this purpose.stuart.munroe wrote:Thanks Bob I plan to leave it on 6 volt. Is 2.5mm suitable and is that the wire diameter rather than the outside diameter of the complete cable?
2.5 sq/mm is the size of wire in a domestic ring main where a pair of wires (i.e. both paths in a ring) can happily carry 32 Amps. That isn't quite comparable to a D/C bike circuit as the characteristics of an A/C circuit are slightly different in terms of current and heat generation, but it does indicate that you are well on the 'safe side'.
You can get more that 10 Amps from a battery, depending on what you are connecting to it, so make sure you incorporate a fuse or two .
Bob.
My avatar shows the late Len Rich in 1970 with the bike I now have - a 1958 Ariel VH
- paul.jameson
- Holder of a Golden Anorak
- Posts: 2950
- Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:04 pm
- Location: Herefordshire
- Contact:
Re: Wire Sizeing.
If you go to http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/p ... ategory/12 you will find the information you need to select the cable you want.
Paul Jameson
35 LG (project), 37 RH500, 52 ex ISDT KHA, 54 KH(A), 75 Healey 1000/4.
Former Machine Registrar & Archivist, General Secretary and Single Spares Organiser (over a 25 year period).
Now Archivist (but not Machine Registrar), Gauges and Clocks Spares Organiser.
35 LG (project), 37 RH500, 52 ex ISDT KHA, 54 KH(A), 75 Healey 1000/4.
Former Machine Registrar & Archivist, General Secretary and Single Spares Organiser (over a 25 year period).
Now Archivist (but not Machine Registrar), Gauges and Clocks Spares Organiser.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 23 guests