Wire Gauge and Ground Locations for LED Running Lights on a Trailer
Updated 08/24/2018 | Published 08/23/2018
Question:
I have 6 LED running lights that I will be stringing together with the 2 brown wires in this harness 3 lights on each side. Which AWG wire should I use to string the lights together as well as for the grounding wire? Also, Is it appropriate to string all the ground wires in a series before running it to the frame/back to the white wire in the harness? or does each light need its own individual ground wire to the frame or harness? Thank you
asked by: Greg J
Expert Reply:
Since LED lights do not require a lot of amperage you can go with relatively small wire. Using 16 or 18 gauge wire will be fine. Harness # A20WB uses 20 gauge wire which is on the small side but certainly not a problem at all for LED lights even incandescent lights on a trailer. We have various types of 16 and 18 gauge wires, see links, depending on the configuration needed. Also many of the options are sold by the foot so you would change the quantity amount to reflect how many feet you will need.
As far as the grounds go I would ground each light independently to the trailer frame or other nearby steel surface. On boat trailers or aluminum frames it is better to splice the grounds together and ground them along with the main trailer connector ground.
I have also included a link to our wiring help article with a lot of useful information on trailer wiring.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
20 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 30" Ground
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: identification light
- Search Results: indicator lights trailer brake controller
- Search Results: rv interior lights
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Q&A: Which Folding Handrail Is the Strongest? A Stainless Steel or Aluminum One?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Search Results: retractable step
- Search Results: steps
- Video: Review of TecNiq Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - TN94AR
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Adapter to Allow LED Trailer Wiring to Connect to 2019 Ford F-150
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: TecNiq High Visibility Stop Turn Taillight - 4" - Round - Flange Mount
- Shop: 20 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 30" Ground
- Shop: Optronics Red LED Surface Mount Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Light 6" x 2-1/4"
- Q&A: Why Would 7-Way Adapter 20142 Only Work for a Few Hours
- Shop: TecNiq 12" 3-Pole - 0.156" Bullet Harness w/ #6 Ground Lug - 90 Degree - 18-Ga Wire.
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes
- Shop: Optronics Fleet LED Trailer Tail Lights w/ Grommets - Stop,Turn,Tail - Submersible - Oval - Qty 2
- Shop: Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs - 3-1/8" Links
- Q&A: Wire Gauge Recommendation to Power 20 LED Trailer Clearance Lights
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Lend-a-Hand Folding Grab Handle for RVs
- Video: A Closer Look at the MORryde Safe-T-Rail Telescoping RV Hand Rail on a 2025 Brinkley Model Z Fifth W
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Safety Step Adjustable Height, Folding Platform Step
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Lippert Electric Tread Lite Step for RVs
- Shop: Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Amber
- Q&A: Difference Between SWC9041-1, SWC9042-1 and 464600 Trailer Frame Wire Clips
- Q&A: How to Install Ground Wire To Trailer Connector on Utility Trailer
- Video: The Low-Down on the Small Body Chassis and Frame Clip
on Trailer Wiring
