Couple of wiring questions

[wonko]

Looks like I'm going to have to break down and re-wire the boat. I've been doing a half-a$$ed job just getting things fixed so I could fish . Now, I've been thinking on how I want to do it right so:<br /><br />1. What guage of wire should I use? Is 14 about the right size for most boat stuff?<br /><br />2. If I make my own wiring harness, do I need to worry about induction(right word?) if I twist the wires together to keep them nice and tight? <br /><br />Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

Wonko,<br /><br />Check your amp ratings on components. 14 ga. should be fine for anything 20 amp. and below. <br /><br />Make sure to develop your own gound and fuse blocks.<br /><br />There is a difference between automotive and marine rated wire.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

Wonko,<br /><br />Inductive current is generally produced from a coil of wire, twisting the wires together should not produce any significant current, especially with 12v components at low amperage. Most 20amp house circuits use 14gauge. If you are taliing about a harness for components other than battery, starter and t&t 14 should be fine.<br /><br />As Djohns19 said use marine grade wire. One of the more significant problems is the wire "wicking" moisture from the ends that may be exposed to moisture. You can seal the ends with silicone to help prevent this.<br /><br />Personally, I created a harness that was not enclosed with small zip ties about every 8 to 12 inches. Since the harness was hidden anyway (under the gunnel) I didn't want to give the moisture a chance to collect inside the harness shroud.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Safe boating to all.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

If your looking for articles on re-wiring, check out the DIY Boat Owner Magazine site at www.diy-boat.com. You can order back copies of articles and other guides to help you with the project. Search in the Archives section under electrical.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

wonko,<br /><br />I've recently been doing some wiring and wiring fix-ups on my boat and trailer. All I have to recommend to you is to use shrink tubing on all the twist connections you have....<br />You can buy this stuff at probably any hardware store maybe even Wally World...<br /><br />Keeps out the moisture, looks good, lasts a long time if not as long as the wire, easy to replace, no need for silicone, no need for twist-type wire nuts, and you can route the wire easily through small openings with it on unlike wire nuts. No electrical tape either...<br />All you need is a hot blow drier or heat gun or one of those butane torch lighters (used carefully)...<br /><br />Induction shouldn't be a problem, but you may want to get some of that flexible wire harness tubing to hold the wires neatly. Keeps them all together and protects them from abrasion/wear against the hull or whatever....

 

[Rymar]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

The suggestion to use shrink tubing on the new harness ends is great advice. Try to get the tubing that has a internal meltable sealant.<br />I have used this for years for automotive repair.<br />You can cut this stuff open years after it was applied and the wiring will look like new.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

KClOST,<br /><br />Good idea on the heat shrink. Be very carful not to set things on fire with the heat gun, it will only shrink so far.<br /><br />I shy'd away from it because I didn't trust myself.<br /><br />Safe boating to all.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

marine wire is wire that is 'tinned' the whole length of it..not bare copper strand that can & will suck/wick up oxidation ( nasty green or black corrosion.. it'll happend no matter what you do.. the tinned well not..<br /><br />always solder everthin' ,, EVERTHIN'..!!<br />all stacons,crimp sleeves/ forks ,spades, circles.. iget the non plastic kind but can cut the red/blue/yellow plastic off & solder..<br /><br />also just can't rely on solder .. must have a crimp barrel or mechanicial connection first then solder the heck-out-of-it..then you can tape, heat shrink, or my favorite,, liquid tape for an insulation, if need be..but isn't used to seal out the 'GREENIES'.. it's already sealed cause of the marine wire & solder connections.. <br /><br />if you follow this .. you will NEVER have & electrical problem again...

 

[steelespike]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

Guys Been messing with boats for 52 years never knew about tinned wire.Learn something new every day.<br /> One thing. number 12 wire is rated for 20 amps.<br /> 14 is rated for 15 amps.

 

[wonko]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

Thanks for all the advice guys, funny thing is I meant to ask about weather to use liquid electrical tape or the heat shrink stuff. Thorough as always. I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

On wire gauge.. DC voltage drops rapidly over distance on light wire. Long runs should be done in heavier wire than current (amps) dictates. If you can get by with 14, consider 12 gauge throughout your boat. Crab Bait is right on, use GOOD wire and GOOD connections. Leave expansion opportunities as well wherever your power is distributed from so any add-ons will be neat and easy. Be sure there are NO wires leaving the battery unprotected by a fuse or breaker other than your starter wire. Have Fun!

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Couple of wiring questions

Also, most fuse boxes sold at the parts stores are Made in China, very cheaply made, yet very very expensive. Really insufficient out of the box.<br />A Saturday morning trip to the u pull it wrecking yard will give you much better options and much better quality at fair prices. Popular fuse boxes for easy adaptability are 78-85 circa Toyota, Nissan etc. They mount flush, are ATC fuses, have a cover and are zinc coated contacts.