Electronics Okay to extend Cold Cathode Wires?

Discussion in 'Modding' started by mrmatt, 11 May 2004.

  1. mrmatt

    mrmatt What's a Dremel?

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    Hey all,

    I'm thinking of using some Cold Cathode lights in my truck instead of neons for some accent lighting inside. What I'm wondering is would it be okay to extend the High Volt wires connecting the bulb to the inverter?

    I'm looking at purchasing a couple of the dual bulb kits (2 bulbs to one inverter) and would like to mount the two bulbs under my dash on either side, and run the wires back to inverter in the center console, and the same with the back under the rear seats (4 Door SUV).

    If anyone knows if this is do-able or not I would appriciate your input.

    Thanks
    -Matt
     
    mrmatt, 11 May 2004
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  2. stoned penguin

    stoned penguin What's a Dremel?

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    stoned penguin, 11 May 2004
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  3. infernis

    infernis What's a Dremel?

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    Basically, use a slightly lower gauge (thicker) wire than what is currently being used. High voltage devices are less affected by wire resistance percentage-wise, so you'll probably be okay extending the wires a couple feet. Make sure that all connections are carefully protected. At the voltages used by cold cathode fluorescent tubes, a current can and will jump to an adjacent bare connection. Pay extra special attention to heatshrinking all exposed connections.
     
    infernis, 11 May 2004
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  4. Turbokeu

    Turbokeu Minimodder

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    I have bad experiences with extending the HV wires.
    Even when I added only a couple of feet of wire the CCFL's became dimmer, or sometimes lighted up only half of the length of the CCFL (I tried several sorts of wiring, thin, thick,...). The only way to obtain better results was to isolate the HV wiring with plastic sleeving and keep both HV wires as far as possible from each other and the chassis ground.
    Therefore I decided to extend the 12V wires and to relocate the inverters.

    CD :)
     
    Turbokeu, 11 May 2004
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  5. mrmatt

    mrmatt What's a Dremel?

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    Thanks for the response guys, I did a search however I didn't view that thread as, looking at the title, I guessed it was for a neon light not a cold cathode. Anyway thanks for the information, I would like to just extend the wires on the inverter but if I go with a dual bulb kit I would need the bulb wires extended so they can be on opposite sides of the vehicle. I may pickup one and see if I can come up with a satisfactory way to extend the HV wires.

    Anyone have any reccomendations on a cheap, bright, single bulb kit incase I decide to go that route?

    -Matt
     
    mrmatt, 11 May 2004
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  6. Oclocker

    Oclocker What's a Dremel?

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    iT NEEDS WIRE WITH A HIGH DI-ELECTRIC STRENGTH INSULATION USUALLY CALLED kYNAR WIRE.. and ideally uise kynar heatshrink on joints !!

    This is for the HT side of the circuit,,
     
    Oclocker, 13 May 2004
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  7. GPG

    GPG What's a Dremel?

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    GPG, 13 May 2004
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