Marine electrical code vs residential grade

[FrankyB]

I'm restoring a 1989 cabin cruiser and installing new wiring for both DC and AC along the way. I have a couple of questions related to the AC stuff:
1) Is there a difference between AC wiring used in boats versus AC wiring used in residential?

​2) Should plastic or metal boxes be used for switches and receptacle installations?

Thanks!
Frank

 

[Scott Danforth]

1 - yes. Marine wire is tinned for corrosion resistance

2 -plastic

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... 1,... Boat wirin' should be copper stranded wire, not solid,.....

Stranded wire takes vibration much better,....

 

[FrankyB]

Thanks Scott and Bondo. I had assumed so regarding the metal vs plastic but I have metal on my boat. I suspected the previous owner may not have had it installed correctly. Is the electrical code accessible without having to pay a registration? Seems a bit odd to me if it needs to be purchased.....
​Frank

 

[alldodge]

I do believe plastic is better but you should be able to use metal so long as the boxes are grounded, at least that has always been my assumption. My Formula used solid copper wire from the Gen and breaker panel for the 120V side. The main feed from the 30amp shore power is stranded coming in. Here is something I found which may help, showing duel shore power and Gen