Generator wire gauge?

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Hop Up
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Generator wire gauge?

#1

Post by Hop Up »

I'm in the process of rewiring my 57 panhead. I'm using a Taiwan generator with Cycle Electric end bell regulator (CE 540 L) and a small 12v battery in the oil tank.
Cycle Electric suggests to use 14 gauge wire from generator to battery. I'm going to use cloth covered wires. Problem is that i'm only able to find 12 and 16 gauge wires. 12 gauge is so thick that i'd like to use something thinner, so will I be getting problems using only 16 gauge wires for the generator. This is not a restoration, minimunun elecrics with only front and rear lights and ignition + generator.
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#2

Post by PanPal »

If it were me, I would never go smaller on wire size. I would use the 12 even though they recommend 14. If you think its really to big continue your search for the recommended 14. IMHO
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#3

Post by PanPal »

if you punch in 14 gauge cloth covered wire on E bay, you will find it there.
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#4

Post by Scrap »

RI Wiring, http://www.riwire.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
8,10,12,14,16,18 gauge cloth covered is available. Eight different solid colors plus many many solids with tracer colors
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#5

Post by Perry Ruiter »

I've got black cloth covered 14 guage. 50 cents a foot plus $5 shipping. I'm sorry Canada Post just jacked the rates up on Monday. $5 is now the cheapest I can send anything (other than a letter) to the States ... Perry
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#6

Post by Hop Up »

Thank you, I think I'll be using the thicker wire. I live in Europe so dealers are not the same here although most U.S. dealers will send here too.
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#7

Post by Hop Up »

And I have to admit that http://www.riwire.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has some very good looking wires indeed!
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#8

Post by james »

Your not putting any heavy load on the battery like electric start so I think the 14 gauge should work fine.
Jim
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#9

Post by PanPal »

14 is what they recommend. 12 is bigger. 16 is what his other readily available option is. 16 may be a little small.
If a connection gets loose or you loose a few strands of wire, they tend to draw more amps and get hotter. That's why I stated always go bigger. But I am electrically challenged so I just do it for peace of mind.
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#10

Post by RUBONE »

Keep in mind that 12V wire gauge requirements are less than 6V. No need to go overboard...
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#11

Post by Scrap »

Hop Up wrote:And I have to admit that http://www.riwire.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has some very good looking wires indeed!
Not correct if your doing a restoration but I really like the braided spark plug wire they carry in various colors and the Rajah terminals bring me back to the stuff I used as a teenager.
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Re: Generator wire gauge?

#12

Post by 58flh »

On any kicker bike I always use 14 & add x-tra grounds,& all connections should be soldered!-(trust me Solder connections).I found out long ago that a little x-tra work can pay-off in making it home or wherever your going---As was said IF ELECTRIC-FOOT, heavier wire so the amps drawn don't smoke them.---Also on that Taiwan genny--Keep an eye on the gear!!!-I would Double-nut it as the shafts are slightly off so a good seat is not provided for the gear--They wobble when hot.I almost lost a right case 2yrs. ago trying to save a buck & getting a $72 Armature!.Luck was on my side I found the nut & gear very close to the PINION.Check the genny out real good!--Respectfully---Richie
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