Where to buy automotive wire

[lsejlowe]

Doing some wiring for a few projects and want to use the best possible materials. Seems that cross linked PE insulation has some chemical and temperature advantages over regular old PVC insulation and isn't that much more expensive. Most online stores I've looked at have fairly high minimum quantities (at least 100 ft, sometimes 250) which even at $0.30 per foot adds up in a hurry when you're looking at 10 different colors and gauges.

Anyone have a good source for quality automotive wire and components?

[Fluffy]

For electronics, I use Mouser. Not to sure if they sell wires though.

[radi8]

Jegs has it in 50' lengths @ $7.99-$10.99 ea depending on gauge:

http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performan...58464/10002/-1

[drbluevert]

I buy through serveral sources for particular reasons. Del City (delcity.org) doesn't have a min. order size and $99 or more is free shipping.
Wiring Products.com has has good pricng.
Deka (East Penn Manufacturing) has every wire gauge and type along with specialty products.
and Hopkins has everything you need to make trailering harness and conectors.

I use the above sites for specs and availability, but for the past year I have found everything is cheaper on Amazon.com or Ebay.com and I find any wire product made for sale on those 2 sites.

If you just wanted to run out to a local store I know Tractor Supply has the top 8 gauges and as little as 25 ft. rolls. Graingers has more but they sell what the others have above all together. All are rated RV, Tractor/Trailer and marine use and that's what you want.

[Sigforty]

I get most of my bulk wire and relays from Parts Express. They have killer prices on the stuff. I learned about them from my days of car stereo.

[D_B]

Originally Posted by Sigforty

I get most of my bulk wire and relays from Parts Express. They have killer prices on the stuff. I learned about them from my days of car stereo.

I buy a lot of my automotive electric components and audio components from them too.

[lsejlowe]

great, thanks for the recommendations. I'll check out some of these places and hopefully get an order going soon.

[lsejlowe]

after some quick review it looks like Jegs is the big winner. Best overall selection of colors and good prices, especially considering the smaller quantities. Funny that I never even thought to look there for bulk wire.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Now do any of you guys have personal experience with XLPE insulated wire? Do I want SXL or GXL? I read in a few places that GXL is more widely used than SXL, but I don't know how accurate that is. Any reason not to go with the thinner insulation?

[radi8]

HDT is super-thick insulation, SXL is standard insulation, GXL is thin wall, TXL is extra-thin wall.
There is no difference between them in temperature resistance or current capacity, just abrasion resistance.

[lsejlowe]

Originally Posted by radi8

HDT is super-thick insulation, SXL is standard insulation, GXL is thin wall, TXL is extra-thin wall.
There is no difference between them in temperature resistance or current capacity, just abrasion resistance.

I knew the designations referred to insulation thickness, just didn't know if there were pro's or con's to one or the other. Realized shortly after I posted that Jegs only has SXL, so I guess that takes care of that decision.

[HotRodJoe]

Regarding GXL/TXL wire. I looked high and low and then I found this thread.
I found a few problems:
1) I tried JEGS, but they couldn't sell me GXL or TXL wire. SXL only it seems.
2) I tried Del Taco (just kidding..del city). But Del's prices were a bit high for me to stomach and they didn't sell smaller quantities like 25 or 50 feet. Only 100 footers...way too much for me!

Here's what I found that worked; www.wirebarn.com has wire in AWESOME lengths, gages and prices.
They sell 8 packs and 6 packs of wire in 25 foot sections and a bunch of colors. I bought the 10 pack GXL wire in 18 Gauge and it is amazing wire!! Stuff doesn't melt even at 800 degrees F (and I mean the casing...outside of the wire, not holding on the copper). They also sell it by the foot (I bought some 14 gage 10 footers for my headlights). I'm rewiring my whole C2 and C3 Corvettes (and I mean the ENTIRE Vehicle wiring). Anyway, check out WireBarn and tell them the Corvette Forum sent you. The great thing is that their wire is Made in USA!!! yeah, baby! I love EVERYTHING made in USA...
Here's the link to the one I actually bought. It's 10 colors.
http://www.wirebarn.com/10-Pack-18-G...let_p_190.html

[lsejlowe]

Hey Joe, welcome to the site, and THANKS for that link! Your timing couldn't be better as I'm getting close to the wiring stage of this wiper door project.

[1963SS]

Being a lifelong electrician I personally use MTW wire. It has the PVC insulation, is extremely flexible lives well at over 200 degrees and is oil and water resistant. I believe that's the same insulation use in automotive wire and it's available locally at any electrical supply house. About half the price of automotive wire, same specs and is available in a gazillion colors.

[lsejlowe]

just stumbled across this place as well:
http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/wire.aspx

It's TXL rather than GXL and a bit more expensive ($0.40 per foot rather than $0.14 per foot at wirebarn.com) but they have just about every color and stripe combo you could imagine. They have 14 different base colors in 18 gauge and several striped versions of each! That's a LOT of options, and the 10 foot minimum is very doable.

[Mooser]

Following along the same lines, anyone found a good supplier for non-insulated terminals (packard / delphi 56 type stuff)???
Seems popular in Europe and Aussi but 25 pieces for $10 plus another 13 shipping (nice) is a little steep for my liking
Mooser