Outer Diameter of the 6 Conductor 14 ga Wire # DW04906-1 and Can it be used for Electric Brakes

Question:

What is the O.D. of this cable? Also is 14 ga ok for brake wire?

asked by: Charles G

Expert Reply:

The outside diameter of the Jacketed 6 Wire, item # DW04906-1, trailer cable is 1/2 inch. 14 gauge wire could be used for the brake and 12 volt power wires as long as the amperage requirement is not too high. The temperature coating on the wires in the 6 wire cable is good to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your trailer is a single axle trailer with only two small brake assemblies, 14 gauge wire will be sufficient. We normally err on the side of caution and use larger wire for trailer brakes and 12 volt power circuits.

We normally use 10 gauge wire, item # 10-2-1, for the brake and power circuits on trailers we wire. A 40 amp circuit breaker is installed in line with the 12 volt power wire going to the positive battery post, to protect the trailer and the vehicle battery.

expert reply by: Robert G