Feb 18, 2023
@ Laura
Here is what a 16 AWG can do if over loaded it with current:
AWG #16 copper wire has a resistance of 4.016 Ω per 1000 feet, or 4.016 mΩ/foot, or 13.18 mΩ/m. If you need to keep the voltage drop along 1 m of wire to 100 mV or less, then you can't push more than 7.59 A thru it. If you need to limit the power dissipation to 1 W/foot, then you can't push more than 15.8 A thru it. 1 W/foot would get noticably warm, but should not be dangerously so for most uses.
If you are using it for house wiring, then it becomes a legal matter and you simply look up the answer. One chart I looked at says the limit is 3.7 A for "power transmission". That was chosen to be very conservative so that some amount of degradation and screwups can happen and your house is unlikely to burn down due to overloaded wiring. Legal limits will vary by jurisdiction and which electrical code is being applied. You will have to consult the electrical code that applies to your area and circumstance to get the answer.
That same chart that shows 3.7 A as the maximum for power transmission also shows 22 A maximum for "chassis wiring". Presumably more temperature rise is acceptable inside a Electrical chassis.( like tv, computer ,not auto, since those chassis have small fans to cool them).
Some say the ampacity of 16AWG IS 13 A. Ford elected to only use 1.5 mm foreign wire on auxiliary switch one , a 30 Amp fuse in fuse #60 location in engine power distribution box. If that relay gets blown the cost of a complete battery distribution ( fuse/relay) which is non- serviceable is say $1300.00
Ford has advertised 30-15-10 amp switches for $195 but for safety sake 16 AWG is good for 3.7A.
Recommendation:
Ford should issue a recall and change all six fuses to 2.5A not 30-15-10A as sold to be safe. The fuse must always be lower than the rating of the wire it is powering. We have the NEC and local electrical inspectors to thank for our home safety and Ford wants to sell 50% electrical vehicles(EV). Tell them they now must meet NEC rules, and stop putting cheap thin foreign wiring in our Bronco!
Below do you see 16 gauge wire in the chart. No. Just got from etrailer 10AWG for brake controller run.
Here is what a 16 AWG can do if over loaded it with current:
AWG #16 copper wire has a resistance of 4.016 Ω per 1000 feet, or 4.016 mΩ/foot, or 13.18 mΩ/m. If you need to keep the voltage drop along 1 m of wire to 100 mV or less, then you can't push more than 7.59 A thru it. If you need to limit the power dissipation to 1 W/foot, then you can't push more than 15.8 A thru it. 1 W/foot would get noticably warm, but should not be dangerously so for most uses.
If you are using it for house wiring, then it becomes a legal matter and you simply look up the answer. One chart I looked at says the limit is 3.7 A for "power transmission". That was chosen to be very conservative so that some amount of degradation and screwups can happen and your house is unlikely to burn down due to overloaded wiring. Legal limits will vary by jurisdiction and which electrical code is being applied. You will have to consult the electrical code that applies to your area and circumstance to get the answer.
That same chart that shows 3.7 A as the maximum for power transmission also shows 22 A maximum for "chassis wiring". Presumably more temperature rise is acceptable inside a Electrical chassis.( like tv, computer ,not auto, since those chassis have small fans to cool them).
Some say the ampacity of 16AWG IS 13 A. Ford elected to only use 1.5 mm foreign wire on auxiliary switch one , a 30 Amp fuse in fuse #60 location in engine power distribution box. If that relay gets blown the cost of a complete battery distribution ( fuse/relay) which is non- serviceable is say $1300.00
Ford has advertised 30-15-10 amp switches for $195 but for safety sake 16 AWG is good for 3.7A.
Recommendation:
Ford should issue a recall and change all six fuses to 2.5A not 30-15-10A as sold to be safe. The fuse must always be lower than the rating of the wire it is powering. We have the NEC and local electrical inspectors to thank for our home safety and Ford wants to sell 50% electrical vehicles(EV). Tell them they now must meet NEC rules, and stop putting cheap thin foreign wiring in our Bronco!
Below do you see 16 gauge wire in the chart. No. Just got from etrailer 10AWG for brake controller run.
Last edited by a moderator:
Feb 18, 2023
