Chartplotter/FF Wire size

[demarko210]

Wanted to know what gauge wire is anyone using for their plotter or fish finder? If you are running straight to the fuse block with other accessories, with respect I do not want to hear about those.
I was reading Garmin support my echomap and they recommend :

• Up to 4.6 m (15 ft.): 10 AWG (5.26 mm2) extension wire
• Up to 7 m (23 ft.): 8 AWG (8.36 mm2) extension wire
• Up to 11 m (36 ft.): 6 AWG (13.29 mm2) extension wire

 

[alldodge]

If you are running straight to the fuse block with other accessories, with respect I do not want to hear about those.

Then IMO with respect you don't want to know

The wire listing Garmin indicates is based on main feed for everything, and it will be connected at the fuse block. A chart plotter has maybe a 2 or 3 amp fuse and a straight feed from Bat wouldn't need anymore then maybe 18 AWG. Look at the wire size from the unit and use same to the main feed/block

 

[demarko210]

Ok they are talking about using an extension cable. Here is the chart I was referring. GARMIN

 

[Scott Danforth]

16 gauge for nearly every bit of electronics, electrics or lighting in a 80 foot boat or less.

I agree with AD, 18 gauge is more than enough from a current standpoint. 16 gauge can take more physical abuse.

High-current devices are the exception.

Garmin doesn't trust the general public to properly install and will overstate the size of the conductor needed as a CYA.

 

[froggy1150]

Find the full load amperage of your device. Take that number and times by 125% and that's your required demand at the device. Then use this chart to Guage wire size.
So let's say it draws 10 amps
That would be 12.5.
round up to next column would be 15 amps.
Using 3%voltage drop and 25 feet of wire you would need 8 Guage.

 

[froggy1150]

You could probably get away with 10 Guage cuz you would be close and it's not a motor load

 

[froggy1150]

5 amp load would be 12 g for 3% drop and 14 g for 10% drop at 25 feet

 

[alldodge]

GG its a CP with a 3 A fuse, meaning it draws most likely 1/2 that full time.

 

[dingbat]

Both plotter and sounder wired direct to different batteries.

The 4208 is fused at 7.5A

EchoMap CHIRP 9SV is fused at 5A

Both runs are 14 awg duplex per Blue Seas wire sizing program.
7.5 amp x 14’ x 3% VD

 

[demarko210]

@dingbat so you have dedicated wires for your plotter and ff. That is what I wanted to know, those who run their items on a dedicated line not just wiring it to the fuse panel with the other accessories sharing the same pos/neg feed.

Mines is currently wired to the fuse block which powers the accessory panel which is feed by a 6# or 8# @alldodge which is why I was excluding those that wired that way. I wanted to rewire them on a dedicated fuse block and was surprised that it said 10#. Also I was looking at a youtube channel that rewire boats and they recommend a 10# for these new plotters and ff.

I am in the process of rewiring some pumps and other items that keep getting tripped with my knee on the rocker switch when I am at the helm and found some issues that need to be addressed.

Thanks all.

 

[dingbat]

@dingbat so you have dedicated wires for your plotter and ff. That is what I wanted to know, those who run their items on a dedicated line not just wiring it to the fuse panel with the other accessories sharing the same pos/neg feed.

Powered from different batteries for redundancy.

I wanted to rewire them on a dedicated fuse block and was surprised that it said 10#.

I’m not at all surprised.

You size wire to full circuit capacity. Add radar and LiveScope to the unit and you’re looking at close to a 20 amp load