Could some 16 guage speaker wire handle the engine temps?

Like...can i run it from my batt. to some switches for neons inside my car? and if i do...do i need a fuse or can i just wire it straight from the batt, splice it and run it to my switches?? Or do i need a fuse and if i do, what kind?

My dad was in the Coast Guard and was a telephone technician so theres a 99% chance i got whatever it is i need from connectors to splicers to fuses etc. I am just not sure if i need a fuse and if the wire will stand up to the engine bay temps, if anything its going to be like..along the side of the frame from the battery to the driver door jam or along the firewall to the passenger side firewall hole behind the glovebox.

Thanks for the help!

 

about the wire being able to handle the temperature..it should be fine. it doesnt get THAT hot that it melts the plastic or anything. just dont let it touch the header or the valve cover.

 

alright sweet....also...will i be able to just connect the power wire straight to the batt. terminal than to my switch(s) or do i need to have a fuse/resistor wired onto it?

basically i want to be able to flip a switch and it comes on, regardless of the key in the ignition or my lights turned on etc etc

 

you can run it straight from the battery it will work but i suggest you do put in a fuse between the battery and the switch better safe than sorry right. now as for the fuse you can use any of the glass tube like fuses or and regular old amp fuse but you have to get the little plastic fuse cases and you can run the wire straight through that if you look at amp kits you will understand what i am talking about now like i said you dont have to but it is safer too

 

Fusing is optional... but so is burning your car. Basically, if you don't want a fireball, use a fuse. It's better that way. You can get a "weatherproof" blade fuse holder at the Wal*Mart for like $3, it'll hold regular old automotive fuses up to 30a.

As for the speaker wire, it'll be fine, but there's no real need for 2 conductors, unless you want to run 2 seperate switches. You don't need to run another ground all the way back to the batterey. You can just ground it on a bolt/screw/etc in the cabin.

 

yeah always put a fuse...if you get a short circuit you can cause a fire or kill your battery.

 

alright thanks guys, wanted to make sure of all of this before i did anything dumb lol.