Recommended Wire Gauge for Wiring Trailer Brakes

Question:

Hey I am new with electrical, and wiring up the brake wire does it matter if ive used thicker gauge wire for the grounds and power?i have used splice buts with shrink wrap i have some 14 guage brand new at home would that be to big to hook up to the magnets/ 7 way plug ? Thanks for your help

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

I recommend using at minimum a 12 gauge wire like # 12-1-1, but preferably 10 gauge wire like # 10-1-1.

When you try to run 12v power for electric brakes through a thinner 14 gauge wire to power something like your brakes it overloads the wire and causes overheat. Once overloaded, the copper wires heat up so much that it could melt the insulation in the 14 gauge wire and end up causing a short.

expert reply by: Jackie C