Posi-Taps are color coded. Blue in the photo = 16 to 18 gauge.
wire guage size
I have located the reverse wire to connect my backup camera (thanks to a previous post). I wanted to know the correct wire guage for the green wire so that I can order the right size posi-tap. (Like the one in the picture)
Also what's the ground wire from the bunch of wire in the picture?
Also what's the ground wire from the bunch of wire in the picture?
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Thanks Guys. I did see some bolts there, but was worried about true ground, as they were connecting to plastic brackets. I will use that for ground.
Thanks for the AWG color coding info OhSix. My color coding experience has only been with resistors and they were universal
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I have to wait for another week as posi-taps were not available in local stores. I read some bad reviews about Scotch Locks. I had to order posi-taps online from Crutchfield. Though, I do not know why they have to charge $7 shipping for $9 posi-taps. The posi-taps are so light weight.
Thanks for the AWG color coding info OhSix. My color coding experience has only been with resistors and they were universal
. I have to wait for another week as posi-taps were not available in local stores. I read some bad reviews about Scotch Locks. I had to order posi-taps online from Crutchfield. Though, I do not know why they have to charge $7 shipping for $9 posi-taps. The posi-taps are so light weight.
Mixed reviews and experience with Scotch Locks. Using them in areas outside the cabin is a failure waiting to happen as they corrode when exposed to the elements. In the relatively stable environment of a vehicle interior, they'll last years, maybe even never failing. Personally, I try to avoid as much alteration as possible to factory wires. Trim insulation, wrap, solder and tape is the most reliable.Thanks Guys. I did see some bolts there, but was worried about true ground, as they were connecting to plastic brackets. I will use that for ground.
Thanks for the AWG color coding info OhSix. My color coding experience has only been with resistors and they were universal
I have to wait for another week as posi-taps were not available in local stores. I read some bad reviews about Scotch Locks. I had to order posi-taps online from Crutchfield. Though, I do not know why they have to charge $7 shipping for $9 posi-taps. The posi-taps are so light weight.
One thing is for sure, Posi Taps do less damage to wire than Scotch locks but due to their construction, those things are danged expensive.
Although I moved away from "professional" installation of mobile electronics as a primary source of income over 2 decades ago, I strongly disagree with the universal classification that scotch locks and posi-taps are "junk". They serve a purpose - and when properly used - perform their duties with admirable reliability. I too have bad experiences with both products but learned in most they are the fault of improper installation - usually due to where they are installed and/or how they are installed.
Examples: when either of these products are installed in a location exposed to the wilds of environmental exposure such as water and sun, the user is accelerating and actually causing eventual failure. And, perhaps more commonly, when either product is used with the incorrect wire gauges, they will fail or cause intermittent issues as a result of the environment and/or vibration.
I can't count how many times troubleshooting problems ranging from trailer lights to power antenna triggers have ended by finding a Blue Tap attempting to join a 20 gauge wire to a 24 gauge wire. "Back in the day", some trailer OEMs even used scotch locks to join wires under the tongue! Chalk that kind of nonsense up to VERY bad quality control. Just git 'er out the door.
Neither of these products are meant to be permanent connection solutions, but that doesn't prevent users from expecting them to be, or using them in inappropriate areas, or joining wires either too large or too small together, then blaming 3M or Posi-tap for the future problems.
Having said that, I agree. The most rugged solution is trimming insulation, wrapping and soldering, then taping the junction. Done enough times by someone who cares, a casual observer would never spot a nicely executed job. Wrapping wire looms in electrical tape is an acquired talent!
Here's a joint job I recently did with a run to the rear of the 06. Can you tell which is factory and which was done 2 weeks ago?
![Vehicle Leg Vehicle door Auto part Car]()
When I installed my rear view camera and needed to supply power to it, I didn't like the idea of using a tap OR stripping & soldering the factory reverse wire, so I went a different way.
Can you see the tap?
![Cable management Wire Electrical wiring Technology Electronic device]()
Examples: when either of these products are installed in a location exposed to the wilds of environmental exposure such as water and sun, the user is accelerating and actually causing eventual failure. And, perhaps more commonly, when either product is used with the incorrect wire gauges, they will fail or cause intermittent issues as a result of the environment and/or vibration.
I can't count how many times troubleshooting problems ranging from trailer lights to power antenna triggers have ended by finding a Blue Tap attempting to join a 20 gauge wire to a 24 gauge wire. "Back in the day", some trailer OEMs even used scotch locks to join wires under the tongue! Chalk that kind of nonsense up to VERY bad quality control. Just git 'er out the door.
Neither of these products are meant to be permanent connection solutions, but that doesn't prevent users from expecting them to be, or using them in inappropriate areas, or joining wires either too large or too small together, then blaming 3M or Posi-tap for the future problems.
Having said that, I agree. The most rugged solution is trimming insulation, wrapping and soldering, then taping the junction. Done enough times by someone who cares, a casual observer would never spot a nicely executed job. Wrapping wire looms in electrical tape is an acquired talent!
Here's a joint job I recently did with a run to the rear of the 06. Can you tell which is factory and which was done 2 weeks ago?
When I installed my rear view camera and needed to supply power to it, I didn't like the idea of using a tap OR stripping & soldering the factory reverse wire, so I went a different way.
Can you see the tap?
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
