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== PREAMBLE ==

This article is a comprehensive guide for Automotive Wiring and will take you through all aspects of the parts, equipment and the knowledge required to wire and run all accessories in modern automobiles. Yes! Tomorrow, there will be a test.

1. '''WIRE'''

[[File:Roll_of_wire.jpg]]


[[TYPES OF WIRE]]

COPPER

ALUMINUM


[[STRANDING]]

The importance of wire stranding is paramount when it comes to the maximum load bearing a wire can carry over a given distance (line loss). The more strands in a gauge of wiring the better it can carry the load without overheating and failing. Compare a lower grade of wire made of 19 strands of individual 21 gauge of wire wound to form a 8 gauge wire. Compare it to the wire shown below, made up of 133 strands of 29 gauge wires to form the same 8 gauge wire.

[[File:Strand_comparison.jpg]]


[[COVERING]]

[[RATINGS]]


2. '''APPARATUS'''


[[BATTERY]]

[[File:12_volt_battery.jpg]]

Batteries come in a wide array of sizes of case, amperage, and post arrangement. Choices of side or top post include at least 12 to 15 different case sizes, as well as more than 10 amperages to suit any given application in either wet-cell, gel-cell or dry cell. 

[[ALTERNATOR / GENERATORS]]

[[STARTERS]]

[[CONNECTORS]]

     
== Crimp type ==


[[File:Wire_connector.jpg]]  [[File:Multiple_wire_connector.jpg]]

The crimp type is probably the most common type of connector in use in automotive wiring. They come in 3 or 4 different sizes to fit a given range of wire gauge size. The wire is slid into a holder and a mechanical wire crimper binds the wire to the connector by compressing a divot in the holder thereby retaining the wire. A plastic skirt insulates the wire from shorting and the color identifies the average wire size to the user. They are available in an array of styles from spade, bullet, butt,ring, etc.

These crimp on types also are ganged together inside multiple holders which form a basis for wiring harnesses used throughout automotive installations.


== Screw on type ==

These are a compression type of connector where by wire(s) are inserted in a insulated sleeve and a compression cap is screwed tight to lock in the wire to the sleeve rendering a tight water resistant connection.
 

[[FUSES / BREAKERS]]

[[File:Fuse.jpg]]


[[SWITCHES / RELAYS / SOCKETS]]

[[FUSE PANELS]]

[[MOUNTS / ISOLATORS]]


3. '''CIRCUITS'''


4. '''GROUNDING'''

[[Category:Electrical]]