power point install

[G man]

Still new here but found that I have gotten the best information. Got another one for you. I'm installing a power point(cig lighter) on trike. I was wanting to know, will it screw up anything if you use a 10 or 12 ga wire? I know it is more then large enough. I am also going to install a inline fuse.

Thanks Again
G man

 

[champsman97045]

the smaller the number of the wire (10 gauge) the larger the wire inside the plastic, 12 gauge is acceptable, but 10 gauge will handle more power load.
you can use either size, but if it was my choice I would use the 10 gauge wire for more safety, less fear of being able to overload it.

 

[G man]

Thanks , I was thinking (wrong ) the wire might be too heavy to run a cig. lighter. Am going to use it mostly for a GPS. Thanks again
G man

 

[John Luciano]

U could run 14 for that.. I would still run the 12 myself

 

[Gorilla]

Still new here but found that I have gotten the best information. Got another one for you. I'm installing a power point(cig lighter) on trike. I was wanting to know, will it screw up anything if you use a 10 or 12 ga wire? I know it is more then large enough. I am also going to install a inline fuse.

Thanks Again
G man

There is a science to wire size. The only reason not to run to large a diameter wire is because it costs more per foot. If you think of wire as a pipe for electricity and the water is like current flow. You want a wire that allows the maximum current demand to flow though the wire. Length of the run also makes a difference. Generally for a power point the max demand would be 20 amps. For a wire to get to the battery about 6 ft, 14 gage would be the wire of choice. 16 Gage for a 15 amp line. If you have the wire on hand that you mention 12 Gage I would use that. The 10 would be a over kill and harder work with.

 

[kj5ix]

Where are you going to put the power point??? If you are going to just power a GPS and maybe another device like cell or MP3 why not use the built in power connection under the left pocket, and get the power point that is plug n play. Now if you want one to power a compressor or other high power things like a coffee pot I would put it in the top trunk or the left rear passenger pocket, and definitely use 10 ga wire with at least a 30 amp fuse, direct to the battery. I did that and it also doubles as a battery tender connection when needed.

 

[G man]

Thanks to all of you. KJ I was thinking about putting a plug in the left rear pocket also since I had the seat off and it was a easy run. I have the wire and a inline 30amp fuse.
Thanks again

 

[G man]

Will thanks to you all I have an power point installed. Did not do the one ffor the back set (yet) for real coffee???