Electrical question

[Bergman16]

I'm thinking of converting my rear signals to running/turn/brake lights using the mod I found here that employs the trailer light splitter.

I bought a set of used lights and stems with the red lens, and I picked up some 1157 sockets cheap. The problem is going to be getting both of the positive wires through the narrow stem opening. I believe the higher wattage filament is the same as the 1156 bulb that is standard in turn signals so I'll need that wire to remain the same gauge (maybe 20? not sure). But there's no way two of those will fit in the narrow stem channel. Was wondering how narrow a gauge of wire I could use to power the low-wattage filament, considering it's only going to run a short distance until it ties in with the rear running light in the tail-lights. I believe it's only 8 watts or so when lit.

At this point I don't want to use LEDs in there for the other electrical complications that would result. I put LEDs in the tail lights and the license plate lights so I have a few stolen watts in reserve to even out the extra wattage for the mod.

Any suggestions/limitations for that wire, or do I have my facts wrong (as usual)? No rush because I'm going to do all this (along with a cool LED stop light on top of my sissy bar--yes, I'm paranoid) after my April NY inspection.

Steve

[Jerry]

8 watts at 13.5 volts = 1.08 amps. From a wire chart:

27 gauge =1.7 amps
28 gauge = 1.4 amps
29 gauge = 1.2 amps

I would not go less than 29 gauge, 28 will give you some leeway. I would see if 24 gauge would fit in the stems.

[Bergman16]

Thanks, I appreciate that. Once I get my little wire harness/splitter built I'll take a photo. Hoping to make the entire thing reversible.

And I appreciate all the photos on your website!

[crazy steve]

You're going to find that sizes below about 22-24 gauge will be both hard to find and very fragile. Generally speaking, you won't find wire smaller than 18 used where there's any vibration present as the smaller sizes just don't have the mechanical strength. Can't you just drill the hole in the stem out a bit larger? A clean 1/8" diameter hole will easily accept two #18 wires, maybe even three...

[Bergman16]

that never really occurred to me, as my inner Murphy assumed I'd probably just ruin the stem. I hopped out at lunch and found a 24 gauge solid core doorbell wire at the corner hardware store--double strand but they weren't fused. I'll see how that goes.

The truth is, the running light part of it is the least valuable to me, I think I just liked that mod. Really mostly after the 4 bright brake lights (including the one I'm wiring in at some point high on my sissy bar--see below). I'm a bit distrustful of being seen, just getting back to riding after a couple decades and taking it very slow and careful.

This is that triangle light I'm flipping upside down and mounting at the tip of my sissy bar. It's bright as hell. Not sure how I'll splice into the very tiny wires, though. They're REALLY thin.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[DiverRay]

You do NOT want solid wire!!! Look at an electronics store, marine supply(boat shop), or your local automotive parts house for wire. Solid wire WILL break from vibration, stranded will last a LOT longer.
For connecting different sizes of wire, I like to solder and marine heat shrink tube to seal the connection. Any soldered connection needs to be glued down to something to keep it from breaking. There is a reason solder is NOT ALLOWED for ANY wire connections in aircraft.
I get almost all my connectors and wire from West Marine, as they are local. You can look online as well. They do make the connectors for 18-22 gauge wire, so you can crimp on a connector and not need to splice so much.

[Bergman16]

Oh, well, I can use the doorbell wire on my actual doorbell. It's hard actually finding decent hobby/auto stores in Manhattan, the rent is too damn high or something. But as I said, I'm in no rush, I have to get the thing inspected before I do any fun stuff with lights....

Thanks for the advice as always.