Which Wire Sized Should be Used for Electric Trailer Brakes

Updated 11/21/2016 | Published 11/20/2016

Products Featured in This Question

12 Gauge 2 Conductor Jacketed (Brake) Wire Per Foot

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$3.33

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

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$4.00

Question:

I have a 2007 Chevy duramax 6.6 liter engine and Iam going to be installing electric brakes on one axle of my utility trailer 3500 lb axels of course will be getting all my parts from e-trailer : My question is if I can use 12 guage wire for the brakes or should I use 10 guage?

asked by: Howard A

Expert Reply:

You should use 10 gauge wire for electric brakes which is pretty much the standard size for electric braking applications because it can handle the amperage better over the long distance from a brake controller to the electric brakes. For a nice duplex cable with two 10 gauge wires you can use # 10-2-1 which is sold by the foot. I have also included a link to our help article on adding electric drum brakes to a trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H