Free Wire

[Mary K]

I was given some left over wire from the shop of the company I work for, it is a mix of 18/2 shielded and 16/2 shielded. From what I have read here I don't think I want to use the 18awg, but the 16/4 would be nice to run and have a second pair of wires to use for what ever future use I might want. (Of course, I'd cut & tape back the shield and what ever future use item would have to be located in the area of another fixture...Im talking 12V also)

Whada yall think?

Mk

[Leon]

Years ago we rewired a station wagon that we converted to an ambulance and used shielded wire for everything. We connected the shield on one end only (to prevent ground loops) and even with all the motor driven lights and everything else energized, we had the quietest radios of any vehicle in the area. Dodge used to use shielded wire for their Police Package back when a car didn't take 20 miles of wire.

The shielded wire will work fine, and the shielding will also give it mechanical strength. The 18 ga will work for tail lights and running lights, the 16 would be good for heavier draw.

[Mary K]

Leon,

Thanks, I wasn't sure if the 18 ga would be ok for trailer lights. Just assumed I'd use 16 ga, but now I know.

Thanks again,

Mk

[asianflava]

For a circuit that has a known low load, you could use the 18ga. It would be fine for the porch lights or the interior dome lights. I would recommend heavier wire for something like a 12V outlet because you don't know what you might plug in in the future.

[Miriam C.]

For a circuit that has a known low load, you could use the 18ga. It would be fine for the porch lights or the interior dome lights. I would recommend heavier wire for something like a 12V outlet because you don't know what you might plug in in the future.

I used 14ga because I had it. Use what ya got. Using 12ga for the reading lights because they are a good distance from the battery and I want the wires where no screw will go.

[Mary K]

Thanks All, I will be using what I got and not look a gift horse in the hinney, cause that just gross...ew!
Mk