How Many Amps Can the 10 Gauge Wire in the 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7 Handle

Updated 05/13/2010 | Published 05/11/2010

Question:

The ETBC7 kit has a 40 A resettable circuit breaker intended to be used in the circuit from the battery to the purple wire of the 7 pole connector. I believe 10 AWG wire is only rated for 30 A, not 40, correct? What is the rational behind under protecting this wire? Thanks

asked by: John K

Expert Reply:

On the 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7, the 40 amp circuit breaker attaches to the black 12 volt power wire on the 7-Way. This provides the connector with 12 volt power. The purple wire attaches to the reverse light circuit.

The 10 gauge wire that comes with the ETBC7 harness can handle 40 to 45 amps at 12 volts DC power over a length of 25 feet. On most, if not all, passenger vehicles, the entire 25 feet of duplex cable will not be used just on the black wire to battery connection.

expert reply by: Michael H