Automotive wiring 101
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| − | = | + | = Preamble = |
| − | This article is a comprehensive guide for | + | 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. |
| − | + | ==Wire== | |
[[File:Roll_of_wire.jpg]] | [[File:Roll_of_wire.jpg]] | ||
| − | + | ===Types of wires / Applications=== | |
| − | + | ====Copper==== | |
| − | + | ====Aluminum==== | |
| − | + | ====Stranding==== | |
| − | The | + | The type of wire stranding is important when it comes to the maximum load capacity of a wire. With DC current, 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 wire wound to form a 8 gauge wire, to the wire shown below, that is made up of 133 strands of 29 gauge wires to form the same 8 gauge wire. |
[[File:Strand_comparison.jpg]] | [[File:Strand_comparison.jpg]] | ||
| − | + | ====Insulation / Covering==== | |
| − | + | ====RATINGS==== | |
| − | + | ==Tools== | |
| + | <gallery> | ||
| + | File:SOLDERING EQUIPMENT 001.jpg|Selection of soldering equipment | ||
| + | File:Rosin flux 002.jpg|Rosin flux suitable for electrical work | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
| − | + | ==Terminals and connectors== | |
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| + | ===Crimped type=== | ||
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| − | [[ | + | [[File:Wire_connector.jpg]] [[File:Multiple_wire_connector.jpg]] |
| − | + | The crimped type terminal/connector is the most common type of connector in use in automotive wiring. They come in several different sizes to fit a given range of wire gauge size. The wire is slid into the connector and a wire crimper mechanically binds the wire to the connector by compressing a divot in the holder. Some connectors use a plastic skirt that insulates the wire/connector from shorting and the color identifies the average wire gauge (awg) to the user. Terminals/connectors are available in a wide array of styles from spade, bullet, butt, ring, etc. | |
| − | + | These crimp-on types also are ganged together inside multiple holders or "terminal blocks" to form the basis for wiring circuits and harnesses used in automotive applications. | |
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| + | ===Screw-on type=== | ||
| − | + | Screw0on type connectors 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 to make a tight- and in some cases water resistant- connection. | |
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| − | + | ==Fuses / Circuit breakers== | |
| − | + | [[File:Fuse.jpg]] | |
| + | ===Fuse panels=== | ||
| − | == | + | ==Switches / Relays / Sockets== |
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| − | + | ===Mounts / Isolators=== | |
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| + | =Circuits= | ||
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| − | + | ==Grounding== | |
| − | [[ | + | ===BATTERY=== |
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| + | [[File:12_volt_battery.jpg]] | ||
| + | Batteries come in a wide array of of case sizes, amperages, and post arrangements. Choices of side or top post include at least 12 to 15 different case sizes, as well as more than 10 different amperage's to suit any given application. Automotive batteries are available as wet-cell, gel-cell, or AGM (absorbed glass mat) types. | ||
| − | + | ===ALTERNATOR / GENERATORS=== | |
| + | ===STARTERS=== | ||
| − | + | ==Resources== | |
| + | *[[How to solder electrical connections]] | ||
| + | *[[Troubleshooting electrical problems]] | ||
| + | *[[Understanding the math of electrical loads]] | ||
| + | *[[Wiring diagrams]] | ||
[[Category:Electrical]] | [[Category:Electrical]] | ||
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