JeepMoreDoor

So I thought I'd try and build my own upgraded headlight harness. The best price for wire I found was at RadioShack, 20 feet of 12 gauge wire. But I didn't notice the type of wire it is, which is AWM, not AWG. Can someone please tell me what in the world the difference is??

prcherokee

appliance wiring material (AWM) it the jacket type, American wire gauge (AWG) is the size of the wire itself.

JeepMoreDoor

Alright, so is this AWM acceptable for automotive? Or would I be better off buying from Oreilly, considering I bought it from RadioShack(sounding like such a noob). Or maybe I'll just return the wire and order a harness.

Kerry6363

If there is one in your area West Marine carries Anchor brand marine grade wire, better than Radio Shack and most likely not much difference in price .

prcherokee

Yes you can use it, I use an old extension cord that was just not being used.

JeepMoreDoor

That AWM unfortunately doesn't seem to be that flexible, it's very stiff.

prcherokee

You can get a 25 Ft extension cord at HF. $15.00 .

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-ft-x...ord-41449.html

JeepMoreDoor

Awesome! Close to 75 ft of 12 gauge wire

prcherokee

If you live close to a JY get a Volvo Fan relay.

JeepMoreDoor

I was just planning on using two 4 pin relays. Do you have a write up on the Volvo relay?

prcherokee

No, but they are reliable and easy to wire and use.

JeepMoreDoor

Update: I made my own harness after all and it's a great improvement! I wanted to make my own so I could place everything where I wanted and have enough slack in the wires. I bought the 25ft 12AWG extension cord and used that wire, with plenty left over. Highly recommend buying or making one. I used this diagram http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1040689