Wire size

[mailman1]

What is the best wire size to use for bilge pump, gauges, vhf, and lights. {14 ga, 16 ga 18ga, etc]?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Wire size

mailman1...there isn't really any one size fits all, it depends on the current draw of the device, the length of the run, etc. I suspect you could use 16ga for some of those but if your buying wire in bulk then you might want to go with the 14 to be on the safe side.

 

[90skichallenger]

Re: Wire size

16 GA will work fine as all those components are relatively low current draw. I would get a wiring diagram for the boat and try to keep the stock colors for ease of troubleshooting later.<br />Later,<br />

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Wire size

Here is a wire size calculator. The distance is the round trip distance to the power source (if your pump is 5 feet away from the power source, put in 10 feet)...<br /><br /> http://www.ancorproducts.com/Technical_information/Wire_calculator.php <br /><br />There is also a chart here:<br /><br /> http://www.ancorproducts.com/Technical_information/Conductor_Sizes_B.php

 

[Realgun]

Re: Wire size

It reall depends on current draw and how far you got to get the wire to and from.<br /><br />If the lights draw say 3 amp. And ther are 14 feet to and 14 from the ligh you can use 16 guage however two more feet will reqire 14 guage. <br />To be real safe you can use 14 guage for them all (I don't know the current draw or length of device to power)<br /><br />Personally I would rather be safe then sorry and die due to not having say a radio when I needed it. Due to not wiring correctly and then dying cause the boat burned to the waterline and I was say 10 miles from shore.