Wiring 55W hallogen Docking lights on Pontoon Question?

natedog337

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2011
Messages
107
I ordered two 55w halogen docks lights for under my pontoon deck in the front. The lights failed to come with any wiring. I was looking for advise on what type of wire to purchase to install these and also what type of fuse i could purchase to install as the lights will get pretty wet... i plan on wiring the lights to a switch on my control panel. thanks for the assistance.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: Wiring 55W hallogen Docking lights on Pontoon Question?

16 gauge wire is fine but since the lights are going to be subject to waves, you might use 14. 55 watts/12.6 = 4.4 amps per side. So you have an almost 9 amp draw. A 10 amp fuse is too close to the current draw so you need a 15 amp. Your boat should already have a fuse panel so you find an empty spot, wire to that slot and insert a 15 amp fuse. If the boat doesn't have a fuse panel then you need a decent in-line style fuse holder available in the electrical dept of any auto store. Dless the lights are marine (water proof) they will be junk after the first dunking.
 
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