What type of flex wire should I use ?

Me-262 · Post by **Me-262** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:26 pm

Install project: Automotive gauges, sensors and control unit.

I'm installing a set of gauges in my car and want to keep the wires organized and safe from snagging/breaking. Most of the gauges run two small wires about 22 gauge in a single 14-16 gauge plastic sleeve. There will be 4 gauges + power/ground wire , all running into a controller unit. This controller will be mounted in the cabin of the car , possibly at the side of the seat or in the glovebox. This is where I see most opportunity for wear 'n tear.

I figure the best way to protect and organize the cables is to use some flex wire and run all the cables in one larger wire. I've never used this expanding flex wire before so I'm not sure how to go about sizing or chosing it. I found the company in the link below, they have a ton of different kinds of flex wire. Given 5 runs of roughly 14-16 gauge wire and the application described as above, which flex wire do you suggest I purcahse and what size ? It needs to be reasonbly flexible like speaker wire so I can run it around the contours of a car's cabin and under the center console/dash.

http://cableorganizer.com/wire-management/

Post by **ttocs** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 6:05 pm

I used a similar product called techflex on my mustangs install and was really happy with them. It did alot to help prevent snagging but also made them super tough and sexy as hell too! Check partsexpress

Me-262 · Post by **Me-262** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 4:03 am

Thanks, had a look there. Now the question remains: What size wiring do I need to use to cover the combined bundle of wires ? Here's some pics of the wiring in question and comparison shots of 4 and 14 gauge wire to give you an idea of what size these wires are.

Post by **ttocs** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:21 am

the biggest problem will be getting the hrns's through unless you want to take them apart. If you go to the partsexpress site I think it tells you how big it can stretch to as well as what wire size they recommend.

It really shows an attention to detail and makes it look really nice. They recomend using a hot knife to cut it but I have always used a regular knife and just been quick to either tape the ends or heat shrink them and never had a problem.

Post by **stipud** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:31 am

Hard to say from a pic.... When you get it, bundle them up and measure the diameter?

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:44 am

Most of that stuff expands from like 1/2" to almost 2". Although if your gonna be routing cables in different directions, you may want to look at the 'split' type.

bretti_kivi · Post by **bretti_kivi** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 8:10 am

3/8" techflex will do 3 x dual 13AWG speaker cables.

Go see furryletters on da bay and order some, it's not expensive.

Bret

Me-262 · Post by **Me-262** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 5:41 pm

Just measured it , 1/2 inch roughly in diameter. I like the idea of the split wire , now that I thought about what you said, those Harness ends would be a PITA to pass through. I'd like to use a big harness to put the wires from the controller, under the dash, through the firewall then then they can branch out to Water/Oil/Turbo/Pressure locations.

Good find Bret ! Shame he's out of country for another week. Price are excellent . Local shop (HH would know it: Active Electronics on Merivale) sells their flex wire in 7-10 ft lenghts for $10 , plus tax.

Post by **ttocs** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 7:30 pm

the hrns's are not that hard to fit through. Putting the tubing on the wire is never fun and always leaves your fingers a little raw afterwards but it just makes wire look sexy.....