Whether you sell supplies for automotive wiring or your business provides electrical services for vehicles, it's important to know what tools and materials you need to get the job done properly and efficiently. The wire itself can carry current throughout the car without your intervention, but you'll need special tools if you need to splice two wires together, add a new connector or install an entirely new electrical component to the vehicle.

Automotive wires can be delicate, especially when you're using heat and sharp tools, so it's a good idea to keep more supplies on hand than you think you'll actually need. Fuses, butt connectors and splice sleeves are inexpensive, and keeping a large stock can prevent costly downtime while waiting for a delivery. When searching for automotive wiring supplies, consider the following:

1. Know what switches are available for vehicle wiring systems.

2. Keep the right crimp and splice tools on hand.

3. Learn how auto harness connectors function.

4. Familiarize yourself with vehicle batteries.

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Become familiar with switches used in auto wiring

Several components of an automotive wire system, including windows, lights and radios, are turned on or off by a switch. Types of switches include toggle, rocker, slider, push, pull and rotary. Vehicle wiring switches commonly deliver 20 amps at 12 volts.

I recommend: View examples of toggle and rocker switches at WiringProducts. The product descriptions provide basic information about the switches' capabilities. For a more in-depth explanation of how vehicle wiring switches operate, specifically slider switches, visit Automotive Design Online.

Find automotive wiring crimp and splice tools

No wiring job can be completed without the proper crimp and splice materials. Crimpers and splicers are specially designed tools for wiring electrical systems. Solders are often used to cleanly splice wires together. Heat-activated splice sleeves provide results similar to soldering and prevent dust and moisture from damaging the wires.

I recommend: Read more about crimp-and-seal splice sleeves at Weber State University. The site provides a detailed explanation of how to use the splice sleeves with accompanying photographs. Get directions and tips for solder splicing from Popular Mechanics.

Know your options for automotive wiring and harness connectors

An automotive harness connector allows electrical components to be easily removed and replaced. Unlike crimping and splicing, which is permanent, a connector provides a safe connection within the automotive wiring harness without altering the wires. In some cases, like when pulling trailers, the connectors are for temporary use.

I recommend: Browse the various automotive electrical connectors Waytek offers. To read more about how electrical connectors function, visit GlobalSpec.

Recognize the battery's role in a car wiring system

Without a properly functioning battery, a vehicle's electrical system is useless. Car batteries, also called lead acid accumulators, use concentrated acid to fire up the vehicle's electrical system. In addition to the battery itself, cars also need battery cables and terminals.

I recommend: Find a large variety of battery cables and terminals at JC Whitney. Click the individual products to read their specifications and recommended use. To learn more about how car batteries produce energy, visit Green-Planet-Solar-Energy.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Dirt and corrosion inside a wiring harness connector can cause electrical parts to fail. Consider using connector caps to protect connectors when they're not in use.

Every electrical component in a vehicle uses automotive wiring. When any electrical component in a vehicle is changed or replaced, your customers will need the appropriate vehicle wiring to complete the job safely.

Some of your customers will want a basic automotive wiring kit that has everything needed to do factory replacement projects. Other customers will need special automotive wiring to complete customization projects. Selling automotive wiring in full kits and individually allows you to meet the needs and preferences of almost every customer. When you are ordering your products, consider these ideas:

1. Appeal to customers who are replacing factory car wiring by offering automobile wiring kits.

2. Accommodate people doing custom auto wiring projects with bulk auto wire.

3. Offer auto wiring connectors and accessories to help customers safely complete any automotive wiring project.

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Stock automotive wiring kits

Replacing electrical components in a vehicle can frustrate some customers. Offering a complete line of automotive wiring kits will make replacing these components a little easier for your customers. Because most car wiring is model specific, you should make sure that you stock vehicle wiring kits for the popular vehicles in your area.

I recommend: Ron Francis Wiring offers complete automotive wiring for accessories such as dome lights and other interior electrical components. Their prices are all at or below acceptable wholesale amounts. If you want to stock auto wiring for new and old vehicle models, Haywire, Inc. is a good place to find vehicle wiring kits for less common vehicles.

Buy vehicle wiring in bulk

Offering your customers automotive wiring in any length will make it easier for your customers to ensure that they have ample car wiring to complete any job. By buying vehicle wiring in bulk or by the spool, you will be able stock a large number of gauges to suit almost any automotive wiring need.

I recommend: TESSCO carries bulk automotive electrical wiring. They sell their automotive wiring by the spool. Most spools contain about 25 feet of automotive wire. Waytek, Inc sells numerous types of automotive wiring by the bulk. Their selection includes bare copper and tinned copper car wiring.

Offer automotive electrical connectors

Your customers will need safe ways to connect automotive wiring harnesses to the electrical system in the vehicle. Selling auto harness connectors and other automotive wiring connectors allows you to accommodate the needs of most of your customers. Make sure that you offer these connectors for all parts of the vehicle such as battery post terminal connectors and wiring harness connectors for stereo systems, among others.

I recommend: WiringProducts.com has a full line of automotive wiring and harness connectors. They also have various splicers and terminal connectors. Sherco Automotive Supply offers a large selection of automotive wiring harness connectors. Their product line includes copper lugs, crimp connectors and heat shrink connectors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Sell tools such as screwdrivers and ratchets that are necessary for your customers to install automotive wiring.

There are a number of things that go into making up a vehicle’s operation system, not the least of which is vehicle wiring. Automotive wiring can be a complex issue when it comes to a vehicle, but with the proper automotive wiring education and training, it is possible to enjoy a more thorough understanding of how to best keep a car operating with respect to its automotive electrical wiring.

With so many areas to understand when it comes to auto wiring, such as automotive wiring diagrams, it becomes important for individuals to learn as much as they can with respect to this career choice. A number of popular education opportunities are available to those interested in learning about automotive wiring, including:

1. Technical schools and colleges that offer an education and degree based on automotive wiring.

2. A number of workshops, tutorials and seminars that are available to those who want to expand their knowledge base when it comes to car wiring.

3. Online support sites that offer information advantageous to many in the field.

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Acquire a formal education pertinent to automotive wiring

There are many intricacies involved in car wiring, including an understanding of specific automotive wiring harness options and the relationships between automotive wiring and harness connectors. A college degree or technical school certificate of completion may not just offer individuals the foundation they need with respect to automotive electrical wiring, but it can also increase the odds of an individual becoming hired by a car wiring company. After all, many employers want to be sure they have the most skilled employees working for them and, when it comes to vehicle wiring, many businesses are required to hire those who have been formally educated in the field and industry.

I recommend: Coffeville Community College offers courses such as Automotive Electrical Training I, which discusses automotive wiring diagrams, and Automotive Electrical Training II. Additional courses which may offer educational assistance with respect to automotive harness, auto harness connectors and automotive wire options and capabilities include those offered by DurhamTech.edu.

Attend vehicle wiring seminars and tutorials to further your education in the industry

Auto wiring may change slightly as new cars are developed and released onto the open market. Since not many people can afford the time or money to get a formal education each year, it becomes important to find ways to supplement the educational foundation earned when it comes to car wiring. Vehicle wiring seminars, tutorials and training or certification courses can help keep an automotive wiring professional at the top of their game.

I recommend: Autoshop101.com offers a number of online tutorials to assist in automotive wiring. A 2009 Summer workshop for auto wiring is set to be provided by Vejeer.com. This workshop is set to cover the testing and troubleshooting of a vehicle's electrical system.

Utilize online support sites to supplement more formal automotive wiring training and experiences

Sometimes, a person may have a specific question or concern when it comes to auto wiring. In these instances, online support sites may offer some relief. Support sites may also offer specific automotive wiring diagrams to assist in the completion of such processes and procedures.

I recommend: For free automotive wiring diagrams, visit Auto-Facts.com for the basics and FreeAutoMechanics.com to download specific automotive wiring diagrams. Meanwhile, AWCWire.com offers answers to frequently asked questions when it comes to auto wiring.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For individuals who are interested in automotive wiring, but who may not have the economic resources to attend a college or university, technical schools are extremely beneficial. Not only do they focus the education of the individual, eliminating much of the need for general education courses which may not be related at all to automotive wiring, they are also often much cheaper and take less time to complete.

Knowing automotive wiring basics helps you promote yourself professionally and protects your own safety when working on vehicles. Since professionals working with automotive wiring work with heavy currents, it's important to have a basic knowledge of parts and connections.

Whether you plan to work with compact cars or off-road vehicles, auto wiring basics help you develop a technique that keeps the vehicles running smoothly without malfunction. The basic knowledge helps you prevent shorts that might result in fires. To develop an understanding of automotive wiring basics you might want to consider the following options:

1. Use the correct size automotive wiring and harness connectors.

2. Learn automotive wiring basics in regards to wire rating.

3. Analyze automotive wiring diagrams to determine the proper way to work with the wiring.

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Use the proper tools for the job when working with your solderless automotive harness connector

Working with an automotive wiring harness or other connector is easier to deal with when one has the proper tools. There are three basic colors for a solderless connector. The red connector is small, the blue connector is medium and the yellow connector is large.

I recommend: On-Line Electronics offers different types of solderless connectors for a variety of uses. Its trained sales staff is ready to answer any questions you might have. Hearst Communications offers information that explains tips and techniques for automotive wiring. It discusses tools one might use for the job, including proper connectors.

Determine the rating of specific automotive electrical connectors

Knowing basic vehicle wiring is essential for safety when working on a vehicle. One must always use wiring rated for the specific amperage that a vehicle's accessories need to pull in order to avoid overheating, which might result in melted insulation and plugs or even fire.

I recommend: Lund Instrument Engineering offers a chart defining current limit and wire gauges. It compares the wire sizes with its carrying capacity in copper or ampacity wire current. Rowand.net helps to determine the safety of the wiring in your automotive project by offering a chart that measures wire capacity. It offers an explanation detailing how to determine the capacity of wire.

Study automotive wiring diagrams to develop a plan of action for your wiring project

When learning the basics of car wiring, it might benefit you to look at various diagrams of automotive wiring for specified vehicles. This helps you locate tricky areas before you begin the wiring detail.

I recommend: FreeAutoMechanic.com offers a wide variety of free automotive wiring diagrams for download. One can select diagrams from factory wiring or electrical wiring. Go to Auto-Facts.org for a detailed explanation for how to use automotive wiring diagrams. It explains different electrical symbols you might find on diagrams and offers visual examples of the diagrams.