Installing CB UHF RADIO

[Skeltz]

Good afternoon everyone,

Sorry if this has already been asked, new to the forum and couldnt find the answer.

I'm looking at installing a UHF radio into my 2014 JK Rubi,

I'm going to run it straight from the battery however I'm not overly mechanically sound.

Any advice on what gauge wire to run from the battery and what size fuse in between the battery and UHF unit.

Thanks in Advance

[JKFTW]

Originally Posted by Skeltz

Good afternoon everyone,

Sorry if this has already been asked, new to the forum and couldnt find the answer.

I'm looking at installing a UHF radio into my 2014 JK Rubi,

I'm going to run it straight from the battery however I'm not overly mechanically sound.

Any advice on what gauge wire to run from the battery and what size fuse in between the battery and UHF unit.

Thanks in Advance

Speaking from a electrical POV the fuse (and wire gauge actually) should be just above total max current draw when it's running.

The radio units themselves will usually have their max output rated on it somewhere, essentially it's down to the radio. Worst case you'll pop the fuse, and the wire can be anything like 14 - 16 gauge (typical battery wire gauge), those radios draw very little power and a considerably smaller wire would work, just make sure the wire doesnt get too warm if the gauge is on the small side.

[Gearloose]

Generally, a good size and type of cable to use for CB's would be '4mm dual sheathed cable'.
It has red and black 4mm^2 cables inside a black PVC sheath, so you have double insulation for better protection.
A 5amp fuse fitted to the red wire and close to the positive battery terminal is definitely recommended.
A local auto electrician should have the cable and a suitable fuse/holder.
Cheers