Solid core wire

[Morris]

Is it ever okay to use solid core wire (such as used in household applications) in a car? I want to make a few wiring upgrades involving relays and such, and using a solid core wire (that would be attached to the frame and exposed to no vibration) would make things real neat.

I guess that the answer is NO! But I wanted to ask just in case.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Is it OK? No. Wrong type of insulation, and solid wire would be too brittle for the vibration.

 

[bill_young]

No, despite what you might think it won't carry as much current as multi strand wire of the same diameter and it's much more prone to vibration cracking. I know what you mean though, it would be easy to form a really neat wiring setup with this ridget wire, nice straight runs and gentle curves. Unfortunately it's not the best thing to use. Now if you just wanted to use it for support you could attach the other wires to it and wrap them together gaining the strength of the solid core to keep the harness from sagging.

 

[JPSmit]

Yes - to reattach your muffler to get it off the highway ad back to the shop :laugh:

OK I'm being silly I know

 

[jvandyke]

Yes - to reattach your muffler to get it off the highway ad back to the shop :laugh:

OK I'm being silly I know

I used my spare fan belt last time that happened.

 

[Sarastro]

I wouldn't use it. Copper work hardens really easily, and that can happen even if you think you've tied it down well. It may not fit the connectors right. You might still get away with it, but these cars are unreliable enough without tempting fate.

 

[Hairyone]

NO don't use it, at all. Despite all of above temperature rating of insulation will not cope with heat inside bonet (hood) you need propper automotive wire, which will be stranded & rated at 120'C. Get a propper crimp tool while your at it. Most electrical problems are caused by bad crimps.