DistributionDefine the circuit
Identify the load, voltage, run length, duty cycle and equipment requirements.
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Electrical selection guide
Choose wire, terminals and connectors that work together.
A reliable electrical repair starts with more than a part number. Match the circuit, conductor, connection point and service conditions before the work begins.
Choose the conductor
Match the wire or cable type, gauge, insulation and color to the application.
Match the connection
Confirm the terminal style, wire range, stud or blade size and mating component.
Protect the install
Plan the fuse, holder, loom, clamps, grommets and route before installation.
Start with the circuit, not the spool.
Wire selection begins with the job the circuit must perform. A lighting lead, trailer branch, battery connection, inverter feed and welding lead each have different demands. Start with the equipment specification whenever it is available. Then consider the actual current, system voltage, complete route length, expected duty cycle and the environment around the finished installation.
Wire gauge is only one part of the decision. Longer runs, high-current loads, heat, vibration, moisture and routing through crowded equipment can all change what a dependable installation needs. For battery, starter, inverter and other high-current circuits, use purpose-built cable and matching lugs rather than general primary wire.
Match wire type to the job.
Primary and GXL wire suit many automotive and equipment circuits. Tinned marine wire and cable are made for environments where corrosion resistance matters. Trailer cable keeps multiple conductors organized for towing applications. Battery and welding cable are for the heavier electrical loads that smaller wire is not intended to carry.
Browse wire and cable →Use color as a service aid.
Color helps make a repair easier to trace and service. Match the existing color where practical, and note any stripe or tracer before ordering. For trailer wiring, confirm the vehicle or equipment diagram before relying on a color convention alone.
Choose the terminal around the connection point.
A wire terminal must fit the conductor and the part it mates to. Ring terminals are used on studs and screws where the connection needs to stay secured. Spade terminals allow service access under a loosened screw. Quick-disconnects pair with matching blade terminals on switches, relays and accessories. Butt splices repair or extend a conductor, while connector contacts must match the housing, cavity and seal system.
Before ordering, confirm the stated wire range, terminal style, stud size or blade dimensions, insulation clearance and the surrounding environment. A terminal that is close in size can still create a loose, hot or unreliable connection. For multi-pin connectors, keep housings, contacts, seals and locking components within the same connector family.
Crimping is part of the selection.
The correct terminal still depends on the right tool and a complete crimp. Use a crimper intended for the terminal style and wire range, strip the wire to the terminal maker’s specification, and inspect the finished connection before it goes into service. Large lugs and battery connections need tooling designed for that conductor size.
Build protection into the material list.
Electrical work is more dependable when protection is selected before the wire is installed. Use fuses and fuse holders sized according to the circuit design and equipment requirements. Add grommets where wire passes through an opening, loom where abrasion is a concern, and clamps where the route needs support. In wet, vibrating or exposed areas, consider sealed or heat-shrink connection systems suited to the application.
The right supporting parts keep a good repair from becoming a repeat repair. They also help make the finished circuit easier to inspect and service later.
Need a second set of eyes?
Bring the important details together before you order.
Include the wire type, gauge, color, approximate footage, application, terminal style and any part number you already have. The sales desk can help narrow the right parts for the job.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right wire gauge?
Start with the circuit load, full run length, system voltage, installation conditions and the equipment manufacturer's requirements. Larger conductors may be needed as a run gets longer. Use the equipment specification for critical or high-current circuits.
How do I match a terminal to a wire?
Confirm the terminal's stated wire range, then match the terminal style to the stud, blade, connector cavity or splice you are working with. Also check the stud size or blade dimensions before ordering.
When should I use a sealed or heat-shrink terminal?
Use a terminal system suited to the environment. Sealed and heat-shrink options can be useful where moisture, road spray, vibration or abrasion are part of the job. The terminal, wire range and crimp process still need to match.
What information helps with a quote request?
Send the wire type, gauge, color, approximate footage, circuit application, terminal style, stud or blade size and any existing part number. A photo of the existing connection can also help identify a match.