Question Regarding Wire Size For Aftermarket Headlights Into Aux Switch

[Crop Duster]

I'm looking at wiring 4 Rigid E Series lights into one wire harness and then taking that into the aux switch plug under the hood. The lights draw 6.43 amps each for a total draw of 25.72 amps. My plan is to wire all 4 lights together and run them on a 10 gauge wire from the bumper to the plug under the hood. I was going to use a 40 amp fuse that is already provided and Ram indicates the 40 amp fuse is rated for 28 amps continuous. I'm concerned because 40 amps seems large and I'm nervous the wire may melt before the fuse does... I may just be paranoid but I'd love to gain some knowledge on this from more experienced people. I chose 10 gauge from charts I found online for the length of run and the amperage of the lights.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I'm looking at wiring 4 Rigid E Series lights into one wire harness and then taking that into the aux switch plug under the hood. The lights draw 6.43 amps each for a total draw of 25.72 amps. My plan is to wire all 4 lights together and run them on a 10 gauge wire from the bumper to the plug under the hood. I was going to use a 40 amp fuse that is already provided and Ram indicates the 40 amp fuse is rated for 28 amps continuous. I'm concerned because 40 amps seems large and I'm nervous the wire may melt before the fuse does... I may just be paranoid but I'd love to gain some knowledge on this from more experienced people. I chose 10 gauge from charts I found online for the length of run and the amperage of the lights.

10gauge is good for 30A continuous which your lights are less than that so you are fine for your setup just hook it to the aux switch plug and you are good, you could go to a 30A fuse if you wanted but its not really needed. If there is a short the fuse will blow

 

[jsalbre]

A fuse should always match the rating of the wiring it's protecting. If the wiring is rated for 30A then you need to install a 30A fuse.

 

[Crop Duster]

Thanks for the replies and insight.