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Topic: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size (Read 1337 times) previous topic - next topic

Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

I got my Cole Hersee Solenoid this weekend while I was out of town but now I have another question about it.

My old one has a single small post and the new one has 2 small post.  In going over old post I find it will work but I need to add a ground wire to the post that is unused.

No problem with that but I could not find out the recommended size for the new ground wire.  I have a good assortment of color and sizes in the garage but what might be the best size?

Thanks
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #1 –
14-18 gauge is fine.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #2 –
Quote from: bbeane –
14-18 gauge is fine.
Thanks I should have several rolls  in different colors as I use a lot of that on my motorcycles.  ^.^d
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #3 –
It should be no smaller than the white wire from the boost switch (E20 White on my coach) and on mine it looks to be a 12 ga wire.  An oversized ground wire will never hurt.  Use adhesive heat shrink ring terminals or ring terminals with adhesive heat shrink tube.  Use CorrisionX, an electrically conductive grease or your favorite anticorrosion stuff on the terminal and studs.  Same with the big wires hooked to the side studs.  Clean them well before reconnecting.
 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #4 –
Thanks Roger, I am about out of the grease I have been using so I will look up the CorrisionX,  I always pull the plastic off and solder my connections and use heat shrink over them, even on ground wires just for appearance sake.

I will have to check to see if I have any 12 ga, but if I dont I know where to get it  ^.^d
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #5 –
Almost every general duty 12v distribution wire FT used in the coach is 12 ga as are the grounds, there are some 10 ga. Less voltage loss, heavier duty, more robust as is most FT stuff.  LED lighting can use smaller connection wire but the 12v distribution wires still should be bigger.  It never hurts to have some wire along and no matter what needs fixing a bigger wire will almost always work.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #6 –
Brett talks about the 2 posts in this thread.

Boost Solenoid Replacement
Glen & Suzie
1998 U320 36'
Build #5366
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2015 ATC Aluminum 20' Trailer
Previous 1996 U295 40'
Motorcade #17546
Stephenville, TX

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #7 –
Make the new wire (ground) the same size as the other wire that's on the single terminal. Connect the new wire to the Solenoid mounting hardware. 
Michael j
Livermore, Ca for now

1987  Grand Villa 2900 Rear Bath Front 460 Gas Engine.

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Michael j –
Make the new wire (ground) the same size as the other wire that's on the single terminal. Connect the new wire to the Solenoid mounting hardware. 
The Ground that allows the solenoid to engage needs to be a chassis ground...
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Gerry Vicha –
The Ground that allows the solenoid to engage needs to be a chassis ground...

That is correct.  Many coaches have the boost solenoid mounted to a grounded steel plate in the engine bay.  That is why the single post boost solenoids which were grounded through the case worked fine.  This may not be the case in all coaches.  Find a secure ground point to connect the solenoid ground wire.  My coach has a braided wire from the metal plate down to a rear frame grounded point. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Gerry Vicha –
The Ground that allows the solenoid to engage needs to be a chassis ground...
Thanks I will check the area out and see what I have for grounding
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
That is correct.  Many coaches have the boost solenoid mounted to a grounded steel plate in the engine bay.  That is why the single post boost solenoids which were grounded through the case worked fine.  This may not be the case in all coaches.  Find a secure ground point to connect the solenoid ground wire.  My coach has a braided wire from the metal plate down to a rear frame grounded point. 
I will check to see if my plate has a ground wire attached, if not I will run a ground from the solenoid to the frame.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #13 –
Remember, wire size is based on TWO things:  amps and length of wire run.

The ground for the solenoid is carrying less than ONE amp.  Length is to nearest chassis ground.  14 will be just fine. If the positive wire is very long, yes it will need to be of larger gauge.  And, as with most manufacturers, easier to use the same gauge for many applications, even if they don't need that size for their designated load.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Boost Solenoid Ground Wire Size

Reply #14 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Remember, wire size is based on TWO things:  amps and length of wire run.

The ground for the solenoid is carrying less than ONE amp.  Length is to nearest chassis ground.  14 will be just fine. If the positive wire is very long, yes it will need to be of larger gauge.  And, as with most manufacturers, easier to use the same gauge for many applications, even if they don't need that size for their designated load.
Thanks Brett, I think the Positive is OK but I will look it over good while I have it loose. I will use a ground of same or larger size depending on what I have in my box or wire spools.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5