Hi
I haven't run any extra wires on my tug.. yet :roll: .. but this is something that I feel is important to note when running wires for any circuit.
Always ensure that the wire size you select will be able to carry the load of the device it attaches too. Not only should wire diamater (guage) be considered, but the length must be accounted also.
Something else to remember as well, the fuse is to protect the wires, not the device. The wires are more likely to overheat and cause a fire then the device is.
I'm not a member of this forum:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1680307, but the poster in that forum has some really good infomation, taken directly from AC43.1B
Acceptable Methods and Practices Manuel published by the FAA. It has a chart that will assist you in selecting the proper wire size. You should know the voltage, length of the wire run, and the amperage of the device you are powering. I would use Curve 1 as the lowest for the discribed application as the wires will need to be run through an enclosed area with other wires.
As an example, lets say you have a continious load such as your fans and they will draw 10 amps. The wire will be 20 feet long. Use 14 volts as the voltage since the alternator should produce that amount (most likely 14.4v). On the chart, follow down the 14 volt column until you find 20, then follow across until you intersect the 10 amp diagnal line. Where the two intersect drop straight down and you will find that you need a minimum wire size of roughly 13. Round up to the next larger wiresize and select 12 guage wire. The larger the gauge number is, the smaller the wire, until you reach 1/0 (pronounced one ought).
I hope this helps and feel free to ask questions anytime.
Good luck with your additions,
Bri
