Recommended Wire Gauge For Brake Controller Output and Ground Connection

Updated 06/24/2021 | Published 06/23/2021

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(107)

$1.62

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

(325)

$3.82

Question:

Hello, which size of wire I have to use on a 7 round plug for my ground and brake controller white and blue wires ? Got a trailer with 2 braked axles. Regards

asked by: Raiarii R

Expert Reply:

I'd recommend nothing smaller than 12 gauge, but 10 gauge would be better. When we're hardwiring a vehicle for a brake controller, we will typically use # 10-2-1 which we sell by the foot. We use the white wire for ground and the black to carry the brake output.

If you're speaking of wiring a trailer, instead of the # H20046 you'd looked at, I'd use # 277-000141 trailer connector/junction box. The included junction box provides a weather-protected place to make all your wiring connections for a professional looking installation. To run the brake output from the junction box, use 10 gauge wire like # 10-1-1.

I'll link to our trailer wiring help article as well as a video showing a typical installation of the # 277-000141 trailer connector/junction box.

expert reply by: Mike L