wiring sizes

[relentless J]

i'm in the process of doing some upgrades and additions to the boat and i could really use some help when it comes to determining wire sizes depending on amp ratings of what the wire is going to. i've looked at least 10 different wrirng charts, graphs, tables, etc and have gotten 10 different answers. so if there is anyone out there with a really good knowledge of boat wiring i could really use the help.

[IrishAyes]

The post in this forum explains how the program works.  The program can be downloaded from the post.  I hope it helps you. 

http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=350

Here is the download site if you can't do it from the post.

http://www.midcoast.com/~aft/index2.html

I haven't used it yet, because I have not had the need for it, but it looks like it is useful.

[relentless J]

perfect. thank you.

[Hunter 2]

I am a Union electrician in NYC. The best advice I can give you for a 12volt system is to find out the correct wire size for the device you are using. The wire ampacity rating should never be smaller than the fuse you are using. If the device you are wiring draws 6 amps and has a 8 amp fuse, Use a conductor that is rated for a least 10 amps at 12 volts. Try not to exceed 80% of the wire rating. Usually I see wire conductors in boats that are around 10, 12, 14, and 16 AWG. Not including battery cable.  AWG stands for American wire gauge, Every wire conductor has the type of wire and size stamped on the jacket. For instance [THHN 12 AWG]  I do reccomend using marine wire for boats because the insulation is suitable for the conditions you will be in. Its also a good idea to coat all your connections with liquid electrical tape or a silicon based product. Heat shrinks work well too.
   

[relentless J]

thanks hunter 2. a friend of mine is an electrician out of philly local 98 and told me the same things about coating such as the liquid tape, no-lux and heat shrink. so i have stocked up on it and i should be good to go. thanks again.

[mboy]

I am a Union electrician in NYC. The best advice I can give you for a 12volt system is to find out the correct wire size for the device you are using. The wire ampacity rating should never be smaller than the fuse you are using. If the device you are wiring draws 6 amps and has a 8 amp fuse, Use a conductor that is rated for a least 10 amps at 12 volts. Try not to exceed 80% of the wire rating. Usually I see wire conductors in boats that are around 10, 12, 14, and 16 AWG. Not including battery cable.  AWG stands for American wire gauge, Every wire conductor has the type of wire and size stamped on the jacket. For instance [THHN 12 AWG]  I do reccomend using marine wire for boats because the insulation is suitable for the conditions you will be in. Its also a good idea to coat all your connections with liquid electrical tape or a silicon based product. Heat shrinks work well too.
   

Now I know who I can ask for a teeny bit of help wiring up a couple of things this spring. Don't worry, i will run all the wires , just need advice on how to connect all properly

[Hunter 2]

 No problem