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View Full Version : How do I protect accessory wiring from engine heat


cleanlooking929
04-28-2009, 10:47 AM
I'm installing an accessory outlet and ran wiring from the front of the bike to the battery. I ran it down alongside the existing bundle (gauges and headlights etc), but I'm a complete novice when it comes to electrical anything. How do I ensure the wires wont melt?

thanks

SPRHK
04-28-2009, 11:09 AM
As long as your electrical connections are clean and tight, and your wiring isnt hang out all over, you should have no issues. Just be sure to keep it zip tied or taped to the factory harness and you should have no worries. Also be sure it doesnt rub on any sharp edges. You also should put an inline fuse on the red lead if it doesnt have one already.

IrocRob
04-28-2009, 11:17 AM
If you ran them along existing wires they should be fine;
but you could wrap them with a spiral plastic protector
if you want, it's cheap and available at almost any auto parts store.

cleanlooking929
04-28-2009, 05:05 PM
I picked up some spare wire I had from car electronics... I don't know if there is a type of wire made to withstand the heat, or if this will do the trick. The install seems easy, but I keep reading that the conduit or "plastic tubes" can still melt.

Anyway- I have some old car stuff I'll use, and still can't get out of my head the image of a guy who melted all of the spark plug cables in his car after the tech at an STS didnt tie them back....

I'll give that a try (and add the inline fuse) and check on it from time to time. Any recomendations on the # of amps for the fuse?

CBRBob
04-28-2009, 08:27 PM
Keep it off the block and exhaust, the rest will be fine.

SPRHK
04-28-2009, 11:09 PM
I picked up some spare wire I had from car electronics... I don't know if there is a type of wire made to withstand the heat, or if this will do the trick. The install seems easy, but I keep reading that the conduit or "plastic tubes" can still melt.

Anyway- I have some old car stuff I'll use, and still can't get out of my head the image of a guy who melted all of the spark plug cables in his car after the tech at an STS didnt tie them back....

I'll give that a try (and add the inline fuse) and check on it from time to time. Any recomendations on the # of amps for the fuse?

The amperage of the fuse greatly depends on what you plan on using the power outlet for and also the guage of the wire you used.

cleanlooking929
04-30-2009, 02:14 PM
18 gauge wire for a garmin.

SPRHK
04-30-2009, 04:59 PM
I would go with a 10A fuse

cleanlooking929
05-15-2009, 10:52 PM
it works... best $6 I ever spent

SPRHK
05-16-2009, 07:17 PM
Congrats