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Why Do Some Circuits of Trailer Wiring Connectors Use Heavier Gauge Wire  

Question:

How come some of the wires in the 7 way outlet truck side are a smaller gage ? I found where someone hit the box and then the plug in was drug off before I found the damage. I know that I can’t count on matching the colors to rewire. Can you help with a diagram? And why the difference in gage?

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Expert Reply:

Typically the heavier gauge trailer wiring circuits are for the brake output circuit, the ground wire, and the 12 volt accessory circuits as they draw the most amperage. The other circuits are all taillight circuits which typically don't draw as much. So why not just make them all heavy gauge? Well you certainly could and you'd be fine, but manufacturers try to find ways to cut costs without affecting performance and this is just one of those ways.

I attached a diagram for a 7-way for you to check out as well.

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Jameson C
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