What wire ampage

[haybal]

Hi all,

I am looking to add some led's to the side step,have read some of the the threads which are really helpfull.
My question is what grade wire should i use for the +ve?, looking to tap into the interior light.

Cheers
Barry

[wonkanoby]

almost any you have

they draw very little juice

[g8dhe]

Use the same gauge as the existing wiring as the fuse, 10 Amp, is rated for the cable, if you use anything smaller then it might not be adequately protected by the 10 Amp fuse.

[haybal]

Use the same gauge as the existing wiring as the fuse, 10 Amp, is rated for the cable, if you use anything smaller then it might not be adequately protected by the 10 Amp fuse.

Not sure of the existing gauge, but if i was to use 15 amp wire would this be ok? then the 10 amp fuse would be the weak point protecting the cable. (If i have understood you right)

[winchman]

Thats correct
The fuse should allways be the weakest link, if you fit a smaller cable say 5amp rated, then you had a dead short the cable would become the weakest link and could melt first and as its not designed to melt would possibly catch fire.
If you use a smaller cable just fit an inline fuse ( lower ampage to suit the cable) when you attach it to the bigger cable then if you do get a short this lower rated fuse will protect the cable.

[g8dhe]

Yup, Thin walled insulation would be 32/0.20mm, 1mm2, 16.5amp. For standard wall insulation then something with 1.5mm2 cross-section would be fine.

[hijimhere]

I assume your LED device will have a minimum current draw. I would be thinking of in line protection of say 2 x the current draw. Restricting the fuse rating is the best in line way of ensuring any risk is minimised.

[haybal]

Thankyou all for your replies and knowledge ,last thing i want is a fire in my pride and joy .