Primary wire is used for most automotive wiring applications
including wiring of sensors, relays, fuse blocks, and lighting. It
is highly resistant to grease, oil and acids making it ideal for
these general mechanic applications. Generally designed with a
resistant PVC coating, this copper wire can also be used for power
and ground wiring.
It is important to use the appropriate size wire for the
circuit you are running. The more current being driven in the
circuit, the larger the wire you will need. Here are some typical
applications by gauge size:
Typical Applications
20 ga. – 16 ga.
Signal wiring for vehicle controllers like
sensors, injectors, and sending units.
16 ga. – 14 ga.
Most common sizes running lighting, radios,
relays, switches, switch panels, control panels.
12 ga. – 10 ga.
Typically used more for power wires, grounds,
relays, trailer sockets, motors, higher amperage circuits.
8 ga.
Component power and grounds, high amp circuits.
Gauge Size
Gauge is determined by the number of copper strands and
micrometer measurement of the individual strands found within the
PVC insulation of each primary wire. Combined, these two numbers
give us a conductor stranding.
| Gauge |
= |
Conductor Stranding |
| |
| 20 Gauge |
= |
7 / 0.0126 |
| (7 strands measuring 0.0126 each) |
| 18 Gauge |
= |
16 / 0.0100 |
| 16 Gauge |
= |
19 / 0.0112 |
| 14 Gauge |
= |
19 / 0.0140 |
| 12 Gauge |
= |
19 / 0.0177 |
| 10 Gauge |
= |
19 / 0.0223 |
| 8 Gauge |
= |
19 / 0.0281 |
Wire at Del City
Del City stocks a single conductor copper wire with PVC
(polyvinyl chloride) insulation for added strength and protection.
The insulation protects the copper wire in high heat or extreme
cold, allowing it to run optimally between temperatures of -40°C to
105°C, or -40°F to 221°F. The smooth surface PVC is ideal for
constructing wire harnesses and is easy to pull through loom or
conduit. UL rated primary wire is also available, found under RVI
Wire.
You will find a full stock of Primary Wire available in a
variety of spool sizes, colors and gauge sizes.
Gauge sizes:
Range from 8 - 20 gauge
Colors:
Include red, white, blue, green, black, yellow, and
brown. Select gauge sizes also include gray, purple, orange, pink, tan, light blue, and light green.
Spool sizes:
Range from 100' - 6,000'
Thrifty spools
are also available in a variety of gauges and colors. These are
short length spools, ranging 10 - 45', ideal for small jobs or
resale.
