Gauge of wire on elec motors

[Merc Cruzer]

I have power windows, power top and power seats on my 53' 6 volt Merc. What would the gauge of wire be on these motors?

[Ken/Alabama]

More than likely 16ga.

[Merc Cruzer]

Ken/Alabama: After measuring it with a micrometer (didn't know you could do that), it turns out to be 14 ga.......thank your for your reply.

[rotorwrench]

You can't go too large but you can go too small. The average 6-volt circuit would require 16 gauge but motors generally draw more amps. Conductor wire selection is based on whether a load is continuous or intermittent, the distance from the power source to the load, and the voltage of the system. I use a chart from an FAA Advisory Circular to determine wire size.

An electric window motor may draw a fair amperage but it is intermittent so the conductor wire won't heat up all that much. The 14 gauge is likely fine for that. An electric top motor or motors depending on whether it is mechanical or hydraulic, may require a 12 gauge conductor for an electric motor. Hydraulic power packs can draw a fair bit of current but they generally use a relay with a heavy conductor to the power pack direct from the battery. The smaller gauge wire will operate the relay in that case.

[Tony, NY]

For a guide you can go by the circuit fuse or breaker rating (amps). The amps will tell you the min wire size. 15 amps 14ga., 20 amps 12ga, 30 amps 10ga.
If these are new circuits, I wouldn't use any less than 12ga for a motor. Look online for typical circuits, you may find 10ga for power seats.

[Merc Cruzer]

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I bought this rear window motor off of e-bay, since one of mine was getting slower and slower. It was advertised as not working, for parts, so the price was very good. Got the motor and changes the grease and added the wires to match the correct color code (went with the 14 gauge... the wires had all be cut to 7" and they need to be 21"). I used my extra convertible top switch in my test circuit. Now it is the car and working perfectly. I love it when a plan comes together. Took the old one out and serviced it so now I have a good back up. Since these are getting harder and harder to find, thought a good back up was the way to go for a minimal cost.

Retired back at the end of December, (love it by the way) so now I am getting to all of those things that need to be corrected. Bought a new fuel pump rod 4 years ago and just put it in. Tightened all the screws on the pump. Haven't have to use the electric pump so far.

[dwick01]

Very cool Merc!

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by dwick01

Very cool Merc!

Thank you....