Supplies for Automotive Wiring

Find the right tools and materials for automotive wiring

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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