Just a quick wire gauge question!

[DojoDan]

Hi all

I know this isn't computer related. It's actually car related but Im just stuck because my dash is in bits as I type this and I know there's a good few electronics peeps here.

I have some gauges in my car. Water temp, oil temp etc. And they use 22awg wire for the sensor cable. Trouble is I want to move them but the wires too short. Can I use a 24awg wire to add another 6 inches onto the 22awg sensor eire or will it cause problems or be dangerous because 24awg is thinner.

Any help would be great!!!!

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[tokyoracer]

What's the current going through that cable?

 

[Bryce]

The wire in the car won't be 22 or 24 awg. The automobile industry only uses mm², so it's most likely 0,5mm² if it's an older vehicle. If the wire colour doesn't contain red or black (even as a sub-colour on two colour wire), then it's a signal cable and anything close should be fine. The thing you need to worry about is how you connect the new piece and how you seal it. If the joint degrades at all you could mess the signal up. If possible, twist the wires together over at least 1cm and solder them together, then cover them with glue-filled heatshrink. Also, you should offset the joints from each other so that they aren't all at the same point in the harness bundle.

Bryce.

 

[DojoDan]

Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. The wire is red and black and it definitely says 22awg 300v 80c. They are aftermarket gauges not original equipment. Ill head over to Maplins tomorrow morning. I've moved the two that reach so at least I've accomplished something. Cheers all.

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[Bryce]

Oops, then it shouldn't be in a car at all. That's house wire not automotive and not up to the job. Replace the entire length if possibly.

Bryce.

 

[DojoDan]

Hmm I'll have to investigate that then. Slightly worried now!

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[Bryce]

No need to be worried. It will probably work fine. I was just pointing out that that particular wire would never be allowed in a vehicle normally, because it doesn't even come close to fulfilling the specs required for vehicle wiring. Replace it with 0.5mm automotive wire, which you should be able to buy from any car parts shop for a few pennies.

Bryce.