I'm a bit puzzled as to the apparent use of what looks to be 16 guage wire in the factory headlights. Maybe I'm doing something wrong with my calculations:
If I look up 16 guage wire it says it has a rated capacity of 3.7 Amps. If you multiply that times 12V, doesn't that give you 44.4 Watts?
The new European eCode light modules I installed in my Deli came with 14 guage wire harnesses, which I had to strip out and replace with the 16 guage harness from my original modules.
Given that low beams are 55W and high are 65W, how is it that we can run them with wire that isn't rated to provide current at that level, or have I messed up in my calculations somewhere?
No wonder my mechanic friend in Calgary told me that all vehicles halogen headlights are vastly improved by improving the wiring and running 12V directly from the battery to the headlights via a relay and 12 guage wire.
How can it be, 16 guage wire in the factory headlights?
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Schwa
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Re: How can it be, 16 guage wire in the factory headlights?
That may help explain why some people have very dim lights, even after upgrading to expensive bulbs.
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JMK
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Re: How can it be, 16 guage wire in the factory headlights?
Apparently Can Tire has the Silverstars in H1 and H3, so I guess I may as well give them a try even though they burn out in about a year. If I see no noticable improvement I guess I'll be running 12 guage wire to them via a relay. Easy way to compare will be do one side first and look at the difference.