What gauge wire for 35 watt HIDs?

[bikerjosh]

I think 14 gauge is the right one, but looking for some guidance. I'm hooking up to 35 watt internal ballast HIDs to my roof rack. Planning on running one common power and ground wire through the roof and eventually into the engine bay to their relay. Is 14 gauge a big enough wire?
Josh:thanks:

 

[Gerdo]

12awg will handle 2-100w lights (20 amps). 14awg will handle 15 amps (~150w). 16awg will handle 12 amps (~120w).

2-35w lights will draw ~7 amps but the HID ballast has some draw also.
What does the box/packaging say the amp draw is?

Are you using a relay too?

 

[Elton H]

id go with 12ga

 

[Brilliant]

Length of wire run is another consideration.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

14 ga wire will run 5 35W lamps easily. You should be good with 16 or even 18 for 2. I'd go 14 if you have 4 lights.

 

[bikerjosh]

Thanks for the responses, I'll post pics when I'm done.

 

[Baja Runner]

That is essentially 3 amps per light, so 6 amps total, you can get away with 18 gauge according to that chart. Id probably play it safe and run 14-16 though.

 

[LDForget]

my HIDs use 14 amps a pair...idk where everyone else is getting their numbers, but ive actually checked mine with a multimeter. 14 awg is good per set.

 

[mmml4]

WATTS divided by VOLTS = AMPS