Wire loom for LED lights - recommendations?

[newbury]

I'm finally wiring my LED lights up and realize I need some split wire loom. Looking at Amazon some of them get great ratings and then I'll read something like "always used this brand, now it's flimsy and doesn't close".

Any recommendations for a brand of high temp loom? I'll be enclosing 2 to 4 #14 wires the length of the tractors so I figure I'll get 100 feet and don't want to get 100 feet of poor product.

 

[George2615]

I haven't bought split wire loom by the 100 ft. but any wiring I've done on my tractor I used split wire loom from the auto parts store. Usually comes in 10-12' lengths and is available in different colors. No idea what the temperature rating is on it but it doesn't run by anything hot. Why would you need high temp loom?

 

[M5farms]

I buy orange extension cords to run wiring on trailers and such. it is weather proof and encased already. use heat shrink connectors and it will last.

 

[Mendonsy]

I'm inclined to agree with the orange cords suggestion. There really isn't any "good" split wire loom. None of it will stay closed around bends without tape. If you really need split wire loom get the cheap stuff from Harbor Freight and spend the extra money on a roll of 3M electrical tape then put 2-3 wraps of tape around the wire loom every foot or so.

 

[aeblank]

This is what I got. It's wire loom, no need to over complicate (IMO).
http://tinyurl.com/pdobpsj (Amazon link)

 

[newbury]

I haven't bought split wire loom by the 100 ft. but any wiring I've done on my tractor I used split wire loom from the auto parts store. Usually comes in 10-12' lengths and is available in different colors. No idea what the temperature rating is on it but it doesn't run by anything hot. Why would you need high temp loom?

I want high temp loom so I can run it in engine compartments if need be. For two of my immediate applications I need lengths of 20' minimum and one run is in the engine compartment of my diesel dually. I am trying to avoid buying some brand that is just bad.
/edit and since I prefer to buy in "bulk" I wanted to get 100' rolls.

 

[Amvcane]

Try the local electrical supply house. You should be able to find some plenum rated cable if you need a high temp rating.
For my snowblower electric chute rotation motor I bought 15' of #14awg SJ cable, its black rubber.

 

[pap71]

NAPA Auto parts sells split wire loom by the foot.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

NAPA Auto parts sells split wire loom by the foot.

Only way to go, they have never failed me (over 50 years), do not buy the stuff on the shelf go to the parts guys and explain nwhat you are doing.

Ron

 

[Scooby074]

Grote loom is what I usually use. It all should be taped every few feet IMHO. Underhood is no problem.

Had some Wurth stuff before and it was pretty good too, maybe even better (thicker), but harder to get.

 

[aeblank]

"normal" loom is all over in the engine compartment.

 

[Cord]

I buy mine in big rolls from McMaster, but my local farm store sells 14-2 black extension cord in bulk.

McMaster-Carr

Click on "corrugated" on top and then "polyethylene" at the bottom to filter the results.

 

[Dave M7040]

When I dont want the aggravation of the split loom opening up or having to tape it and years later finding the tape coming off, I resort to this product from Home Depot.
It is not split so you have to fish the wires but it is tough. Electrical supply places may have it in longer lengths.
Carlon | ENT Nonmettallic Conduit – 1/2 In | Home Depot Canada
Dave M7040

 

[Cord]

Slang term for ENT is "Smurf Tube"

 

[varmint]

Why 14 gauge wire for a set of LED lights? Or better yet, why not run a single heavy power cable, like 10 gauge,and use some relays to switch your lights? Smurf tube is rated for hot areas, I think. **** for stout!

 

[dragoneggs]

NAPA Auto parts sells split wire loom by the foot.

I second that... and get yourself some decent black electrical tape and call it good.

 

[Jim Timber]

Try the local electrical supply house. You should be able to find some plenum rated cable if you need a high temp rating.

Plenum rating just means it's low smoke and the fumes won't kill you if it does catch fire.

 

[ishiboo]

Don't use electrical tape all over. I saw someone on here who thought they were doing a good job wrapping the ENTIRE harness using 3M Super 33 or Super 88. Both are great electrical tapes and my preferred choice.

However, they are not for looms. They make a sticky gooey mess. Use a quality wiring harness tape.

Personally, rather than split loom I usually use either PET braided sleeving with heat shrink on the ends if I have individual wires, or a sheathed cable if not. The PET does a good job of protecting the wires, however it is not sealed and dirt/water can get to the wires and makes it look a bit dirty.

 

[Millnturn]

For a tough, heat resistant wire loom, think Nylon!

3/8" Black Convoluted Nylon Sleeving - (25 ft. spool) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NV7WQG0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_AFtjwb2F8NVF5

 

[CCWKen]

I use the split loom from Harbor Freight. I've never had a problem with it melting in an engine compartment. Just don't run it over the top of your exhaust manifold. Just used some 3/8" this morning while replacing a window motor. It's good stuff and cheap.

You don't need high-temp unless you're running it next to the engine block. Anywhere else is unnecessary unless your engine is on fire but you'll have bigger problems than melted loom.

I also use a thick cotton braided loom for antique cars. It looks just like the rear looms used on my Ford 3910 except it's black.