View Full Version : proper 18g wire for t5 retro kits
kobes
01/31/2007, 07:59 AM
it's tough to find 18gauge wire for the retro kits in the big chain stores but i remembered about hook up wire at radio shack. it's solid core and 18 gauge but i just wanted to triple check to see if it was fine to use for wiring up ballasts.
Radio Shack Hookup Wire (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036274&cp=&sr=1&origkw=18+gauge+solid&kw=18+gauge+solid&parentPage=search)
thanks in advance.
dohc97
01/31/2007, 08:15 AM
Im not a ballast wiring expert(or know anything about ac current) but i would use something thicker. Im an auto tech and also install alarms and sound systems and i dont use 18 gauge for anything other than repairing existing circuits in car. For reference i use 16 gauge for speakers, but all of this is for a car with dc on a 12 volt system. Maybe im wrong so if thats the case sorry for the pointless thread :)
kobes
01/31/2007, 08:17 AM
the gauge is actually correct...i was more worried about the wire itself. the tek kits come with some 18 gauge wire straight out of the ballast itself.
tek kit (http://www.sunlightsupply.com/product.cfm?sid=7886A5EDE0815D5534B46D363FBEE431&p=969&cs=products%2Ecfm%3Fsid%3D7886A5EDE0815D5534B46D363FBEE431%26c%3D34%26kys%3D%26pgi%3D1)
dohc97
01/31/2007, 08:25 AM
i see, so you just want to know how to hook it up to the ballast? Im assuming that you would want to open up the ballast and solder the wires into it. I would try to get multistrand wire for more flexibility, solid core wires are a little stiffer and easier to break internally.
jag1979
01/31/2007, 09:18 AM
I think I used 16 gauge w/ mine...avaliable at lowes home depot
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