Gauge and ignition wiring

[sailsmanship]

I have decided to replaced the rest of my wiring in my boat which include gauges and ignition harness. I am replacing all the gauges, so I feel I might as well make everything new. My question is what gauge wire would be the best to use, 14,16, or 18. And since by boat is stored about 50 miles away right now and I don't feel like running out there to check, do you know what standard colors of wires I should buy? I know most aftermarket wire is solid, and some of mine are striped, but I'll make due...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

Marine wire is not solid -- its stranded. There are a multitude of colors. Tan, gray, purple, red, blue, black, white, tan/blue stripe, and the list goes on. Is color important? The gauges won't care but if you need to troubleshoot down the line it certainly is unless wire markers are used. The wire size you use depends on the current the wire must carry. And just so you know, marine wire and automotive wire is not the same. Then there is the decision about crimping, soldering, crimping and soldering. Have fun.

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

When I said solid, I meant the color, not the strand. I just want to know if there is certain colors that correspond to different circuits that are common to all manufacturers like there are in automotive sound systems.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

The answer about color is yes, it is color coded and many of those wires have tracers (stripes). You need a service manual specific to your engine for those color codes and for the boat instrument panel, good luck.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

Here is a link to a page that has most of the standard colors for marine wiring, it will give you a place to start.

Marine Wiring

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

Thanks.... that was what I was looking for..

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

That's a good guide, but you might find slight differences between manufactures.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

Wiring less than 16 gauge is prohibited, unless it's inside an appliance. Which is to say you will not be using the finer gauges. Like was said, the gauges will need to be computed for various things. Particularly high current devices such as keyswitches, radios, spot lights, "cigar" sockets. Some things require no more than a 3% voltage drop and others can be allowed a 10%.

The Canadian small boat construction regs are very much like your ABYC. You can see them here:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSafety/tp/TP1332/section8.htm

Some of the ABYC are here:
http://www.bluesea.com/Article_detail.asp?Section_ID=294&id=335

Wire voltage drop calculation:
http://www.bluesea.com/Article_detail.asp?Section_ID=300&id=339

Good guide:
http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...ectric&**********=959821961&*******=595763063

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Gauge and ignition wiring

Thanks, just ordered the book...... It seems on inspection of existing wires, most are 16 gauge. Would it be worth it to spend extra money and go with 14gauge on those wires? Would it be a benefit?