Wire loom for LED lights - recommendations?

[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.