Automotive wires are the specific wires designed for use in automobiles. SXL, GXL and TXL are the three (3) different kinds of wires to use for such purposes. Find out in this article, how each of the wires work and how they compare to one another.
What is SXL vs. GXL vs. TXL Wire?
The trio refer to the wires used in automobiles. By automobiles, we don’t just mean cars. It also extends to motorcycles, boats and RVs.
The functions of automobile wires include but are not limited to:
- Enabling the interconnection of components and;
- Providing sufficient insulation for these components.
For this reason, it is imperative to choose an automotive wire that provides the right kind of insulation your automobile needs. With three (3) options out there, making that decision can be a bit difficult.
The Classifications of Automotive Wires
There are two (2) major classes of wires used in automobiles. These are the:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and;
- Cross-Link Polyethylene (XLPE) automotive wires
While the two are popular, the XLPE automotive wires are commonly used. Note that both XLPE and PVC refer to the different levels of insulations that these wires provide.
Introducing the XLPE Automotive Wires
We will start by defining what the Cross-Link Polyethylene (XLPE)-insulated automotive cables or wires are used for.
These are the wires with the most-durable insulation. As insulation is one property required of automotive wires, it is impressive to have the XLPE automotive cables/wires having them.
The properties include:
- The durable insulation prevents the wires from premature aging.
- The insulation capabilities of these cables also ensure the endurance of both abrasion and higher temperatures.
- These wires are also versatile, which is the reason they are usable in both terminals and automotive wire connectors.
The three major types of XLPE or cross-linked automotive wires are:
- GXL
- SXL and;
- TXL
What is the GXL Automotive Wire?
Let us start by defining the GXL automotive wire. It is a type of automotive wire with a thin wall. The options can be thinner, depending on what you want.
The GXL wire also has these attributes:
Conduction Capabilities
Besides the insulation, an automotive wire should also be able to handle heat conduction effectively. This is why the GXL wire is often used, due to the design as a single-conductor automotive wire.
Operational Capability
The GXL automotive wire often has a voltage rating of 50 volts and a broader temperature range of up to 125˚C.
Application
Due to the properties, including the absence of reflow and better abrasion resistance, the GXL wire is often designated for use in engine compartments. The designation is for these reasons:
- It is recommended for use in the engine elements requiring more efforts at sustaining the heat dissipated from that direction.
- GXL wire is also used in the high-temperature spaces where reliability and flexibility are paramount.
You can also use the GXL automotive wire in the environments and or applications that require high durability and higher heat resistances. Examples of such applications are:
- Buses
- Engine compartments
- Boats
- Trucks and;
- Tractors
Some of the major attributes of the GXL wire include the accordance with SAE J-1128 and the operation in low temperatures.
SXL Automotive Wire
This is the “standard” automotive wire and is so-called because of the thicker insulation. Hence, the regarding of the SXL wire as the “gold standard” in automobile wiring is because of these reasons:
- Primary Usage: it is often called the primary automotive wire due to the prioritization, in some cases, over the other automotive wires.
- Excellent abrasion resistance and;
- The designation for use in the applications requiring higher resistance.
Here are some of the advantages to choosing the SXL automotive wire:
Used for Special Purposes
Thanks to the innovative properties, the SXL wire is a thick-walled wire, designed for use in special purposes. These special purposes include but are not limited to high-temperature applications, such as engine compartments.
Typical Applications
The SXL wire is best-suited for applications that require higher temperatures, as well as the ones that require less spaces.
In addition to being used in engine compartments, it can also be used for general circuit wiring.
Operational Capacities
The ideal operating temperature rating is between -40˚C-125˚C.
TXL Automotive Wire
This is the third of the automotive wires classified under XLPE. TXL is a cross-linked, extra-thin automotive wire used for applications with thinner spaces.
Here are some of the attributes:
Extra-Thin
The TXL wire is the thinnest or smallest of the automotive wires classified under XLPE. For this reason, it is the lightest and as such, have found use cases in the applications where small overall diameter is necessary.
Higher Durability
Despite the smaller diameter, the TXL wire has a higher durable. This is why it is preferred for the automotive applications that require lightweight wire.
It is also required for the automotive applications that require higher reliability, especially in the extreme cold and high-heat temperatures.
Typical Applications & Uses of the TXL Automotive Wire
As the thinnest and smallest wiring option for automobiles, it is used in the applications that require higher reliability, smaller spaces and higher durability.
Examples are buses, tractors, boats and cars.
You can also use the TXL automotive wire for the following purposes or applications:
- The use of up to 50 volts makes it ideal for use in the medium to lightweight industrial applications.
- You can also use the TXL automotive wire for connecting the interiors of automobiles, specifically the interiors and panels.
Operating Temperature
The temperature rating for the TXL wire is between -40˚C and 125˚C.
The Differences between SXL, GXL and TXL Automotive Wires
We have ascertained that the trio are used for connecting the elements or components in automobiles. By now, you also know that these wires are used for specific applications.
Clearly, there are some differences. Here are some of the comparisons:
TXL vs. GXL Wire
The major difference between the TXL and GXL wires is their diameter. While the TXL wire is extra-thin or the smallest, in terms of the diameter, the GXL is thin. Thus, the TXL wire is thinner than the GXL wire.
Another difference between the two is that the TXL wire is primarily used for automotive applications with a special focus on spaces, while the GXL wire is ideal for applications requiring flexibility and reliability.
Difference between SXL and GXL Wire
We can also compare the GXL and SXL wires, whereby the former has less insulation than the latter. This is the reason why the SXL’s insulation is often preferred.
In a related comparison, the GXL wire holds the trump card because of the lightweight and slightly smaller diameter. That is why it is often used in the applications with limited spaces.
TXL Wire vs. SXL Wire
TXL is different from the SXL wire because it has to do with medium to lightweight applications concentrating on limited spaces; while the SXL wire is used for the high-resistance applications.
How to Choose the SXL, GXL, TXL Automotive Wires
You can choose any of these wires, depending on the use cases or typical applications. You also need to understand the overall diameter and a couple of other factors discussed below:
a. What is the Insulation Capability?
This has to be an important consideration because the wire is meant to resist the electricity that passes through it – and to convert some of that to heat.
Therefore, the insulation capability is important, as it helps you determine the right usage. For example, the GXL wire falls between the thin and thick-wall insulation category. This makes it less-likely to provide much insulation, when compared to the SXL wire.
b. Considering the Applications is Important
What are the wires meant for? You will find that each of these wires has specific use cases or applications. Likewise, you need to use them as designated.
First, the SXL wire is commonly used in engine compartments. The TXL wire is ideal for automotive applications with a special consideration for tighter spaces. You can use the GXL wire mostly for engine compartments and high-temperature spaces/applications, where higher heat is meant to be sustained.
c. Take Note of the Cable/Wire’s Gauge
You must also take note of the gauge that the wire or cable has. It ca be a bit technical, due to a couple of reasons.
Let us start by understanding what the gauge is all about. The gauge of an automotive wire is the measurement of the cable or wire’s diameter. In this case, the following considerations are important:
- The gauge defines the amount of electrical current that can be transmitted through the wire.
- The wire’s gauge also tells the electrical and weight resistance of the cable or wire.
Here are some of the points to note about the gauge of an automotive wire:
- Current-Matching: the current that passes through the wire or cable must be sufficient to match the need. For example, it might be impossible to have the gauge enabling the passage of current if it is smaller.
- Higher Gauge Equals Smaller Diameter: interestingly, there is an inverse operation of the automotive wire’s gauge. In this case, the higher the number of the gauge, the lower or smaller the diameter. This is why a gauge of 0 can support up to 125 amps and have a diameter of 8.25 mm. Likewise, a higher gauge of like 20 supports only 0.080 diameter (mm) and an amp of 5.
Automotive Cable Gauge Guide
Here are some of the tips on choosing the right American Wire Gauge (AWG) for your automotive cable/wire:
- Start by ascertaining the right amperage that your application needs. This helps you to pick the automotive cable gauge that provides the right current-passage.
- Next, you want to go for the AWG with a lower number, as that provides more current-passing capacity. For example, an AWG of 0 supports 125 amps, an AWG of 10 supports 30 amps, while that of 20 supports 5 amps.
- Last but not least, be sure of the desired length of the cable. This is because the size or diameter of the cable/wire decreases, as the number of the wire gauge (AWG) increases. This is why the AWG of 40 has a diameter of 0.080, that of 4 has 5.189, while an AWG of 20 has a diameter (mm) of 0.812.
What is the Cable’s Voltage Drop?
Voltage must “drop” in an automotive cable or wire. However, you don’t want this to be excessive. Let us start by defining what voltage drop means.
Voltage drop means a drop or reduction in the voltage. It is also the loss of certain amount of voltage in a circuit.
Here are additional points:
- Voltage drop in automotive wire has to do with the amount of voltage that was lost over the length of the wire.
- Voltage drop also has a synergy with resistance. As such, the resistance happens when the voltage travels through the wire. To this end, the voltage will drop significantly, as the resistance traveling through the wire becomes greater.
What is the Amperage of the Automotive Wire?
This time, you are considering the amperage (Amp) on a standalone basis. The amp has to do with the amount of current that the application requires and which the wire or cable can produce or offer.
What is the Resistance Capability of the Wire?
The automotive cable or wire can resist the electricity that passes through it. However, how much of that can it resist?
You are to use the resistance per unit length as the basis. It refers to the capacity of the wire to resist electricity or current from passing to a certain length.
The rule of thumb is that an increase in the American Wire Gauge (AWG) often results in a corresponding increase in the resistance per unit length. This is why an AWG of 0 has a resistance per unit length of 0.1, while an AWG of 40 has a resistance per unit length (mΩ/ft) of 1000.
Conclusion
The trio of SXL, GXL and TXL wires are useful in wiring automobiles, such as cars and boats. However, you must define the use cases/applications and choose the right wires for that purpose.
If you are unsure of which to go for, consult a professional to guide you.
