I just bought a remote starter/keyless entry/alarm system, i'm looking to install it myself... I'm just wondering what gauge wire that most cars use.I'm assuming power wires are lower gauge then others, Could I use 16 gauge for power lines or would i need something larger?Thanks in advanced.
Depends on the amperage draw, for a stater wire most cars use a #12 THHN copper wire #16 would be used for speaker wire #14 is used for dome lights temp gages oil gauge and so on headlight wires use #12 wire STARTER to battery wire uses #6 wire taillights and turn signals use #14 Computer wires use #16 or #18 gauge wire as for the power wire if it has a fuse make sure the fuse will blow before the wire burns threw so if it's a 20 amp fuse fast blow use #12 copper if it's a 30 amp fuse use use a #10 wire. My fog lights I put in my truck uses a 40 amp fuse so I put in a # 8 copper wire for them. Hope this helps and gives you a guide of what wire to use.
Automotive Wire Gauge Chart
i use 16 gauge wire for my car alarm and stereo and ive had no problems so far.
For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/awrkt Just the head unit itself? 18 gauge is usually plenty for the typical 50x4 watt stereos. MAKE SURE there is a fuse in that wire, though! (closest to the battery is best) so you don't have a fire if it shorts out!!! Amps will need heavier wire.
Why do you need to wire the stereo to the battery? Only thing you should have to wire directly to the battery is an amp. If you are wiring the amp to the battery I would say use a 4 gauge. Now, this depends on the rms of watts going to the amp, but 4 gauge is always a safe bet and give you room for growth in the future if you want to upgrade.
