|
Curt, the 16 Gauge wiring should handle a couple standard headlamps, its the wires ampacity (current rating) thats important instead of the voltage when deciding if it is sufficient for the load like lights or whatever. Its voltage withstand (insulation rating) capacity is wayyyyy yyy higher then either 6 or 12 volts anyway and, therefore, the same general purpose automotove/tractor hook up wiring would likely be the same. If the headlamps drew more current than what 16 Gauge wire was rated to handle (like say the wire was gettingn hottttt t) then, of course, it would need to be upgraded to 14 or bigger, but thats more due to current NOT the fact that its on a 6 or 12 volt tractor. The wire may well be rated for 200 or even 600 volts, depending on whats used. Your concern can stem from a legitimate fact also, in that at 6 volts the same wattage of lamp would draw "twice" the current as if on a 12 volt system, which could indeed necessitate bigger gauge wires in some cases, but typical headlamps can often be served by 16 gauge on 6 or 12 volt tractors. STILL, IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE CURRENT AND THE WATTAGE OF THE LIGHTS i.e. nothing certain can be said sitting here as far as what gauge wire is required (16 or larger) not knowing the actual loads. The place where heavier gauge wiring can be helpful is in the high amperage battery n starter n ground cables. I like to use 0 or even 00 Gauge battery cables in 6 volt applications. In that situation, the larger battery cables drop less voltage and dont waste/loose as much energy to heat versus delivering it to the starter where its really needed. Yes, many of the early, and ESPECIALLY the smaller tractors were indeed 6 volts, but Im not a Farmall man and have absolutely no specs or data as to what tractors were what voltage originally. Best wishes n God Bless John T in Indiana
|
