Automotive Wire

Mid America Wire & Cable supplies a full range of automotive wire for OEM manufacturers, repair shops, and custom builders. Our automotive wire selection includes GPT general-purpose thermoplastic wire, GXL and SXL cross-linked polyethylene wire for high-heat engine compartments, TXL ultra-thin wall wire for tight routing, and battery cable. Available in AWG sizes from 20 through 1/0 and in a wide spectrum of colors, our automotive wire meets SAE and UL standards.

13 product lines Ships nationwide UL / Mil-spec options

Primary Wire

Multi Conductor Cable

Brake Cable

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J1939

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Trailer

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Battery Cable

EV Battery Cable

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SGR

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SGT

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SGX

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STX

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About Automotive Wire

Automotive primary wire (GPT, GXL, SXL, TXL) is rated for temperatures ranging from 85°C up to 150°C depending on the insulation compound, and is engineered to withstand the vibration, fuel exposure, abrasion, and thermal cycling found in modern vehicle electrical systems. GPT wire is the most common low-cost option for general automotive wiring harnesses; GXL and SXL cross-linked polyethylene wires are used in engine compartments where higher temperature resistance is required; and TXL ultra-thin wall wire is ideal for OEM harnesses where space and weight are critical. Mid America Wire & Cable also stocks battery cable in 6 AWG through 4/0 for starter, alternator, and ground connections, with SGT, SGX, and welding cable constructions available. All of our automotive wire is SAE J1128 and UL 758 compliant.

Automotive Wire — Frequently Asked Questions

GPT (General Purpose Thermoplastic) is standard PVC-insulated primary wire rated to 85°C. GXL has thin-wall cross-linked polyethylene insulation rated to 125°C and is the most common OEM harness wire. SXL has standard-wall XLPE insulation rated to 125°C for heavier-duty automotive use. TXL is ultra-thin wall XLPE rated to 125°C, used where tight routing and reduced weight matter. Temperature ratings and wall thicknesses are the primary differences.

As a general rule: 18–20 AWG for low-current signal and dash wiring, 14–16 AWG for accessories and lighting, 10–12 AWG for high-current accessories, and 2/0–4/0 for battery cables. The correct gauge depends on current draw, wire length, and acceptable voltage drop. Our sales team can help you size a cable run.

Most automotive primary wire is SAE-rated rather than UL-listed, because it is manufactured to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards like SAE J1128. Some of our stock (e.g., certain GXL and battery cable) is dual-rated SAE/UL, which we can confirm on your specific part number.

Yes. We cut automotive wire to custom lengths (no minimums on most items) and offer a wide variety of striped colors. Contact us for non-standard stripes and color combinations.