Wiring
Wiring is not difficult, but
there are some special considerations afloat. Corrosion is a major problem.
That's why we suggest you only use marine-grade tinned wire and cable.
It lasts longer and provides better service in the process. We also suggest
that you use a crimper rather than solder for connections. A good crimping
kit is inexpensive, convenient, and easily replenished with new connectors.
When you "heat shrink" crimped connections, you've made a permanent fix.
Wire
size is important, too. Some power loss occurs in virtually every wire
- but like plumbing and water pressure, the bigger the carrier, the
less the power loss. For electric motors and critical uses (bilge pumps,
electronics, navigation lights, etc.) we suggest no more than 3% voltage
drop at the appliance. For cabin lights, etc., 10% is acceptable. The
ABYC recommends wire conductors of at least 16-AWG (gauge) for lights
and other similar equipment. That's minimum, and heavier gauge isn't
much more expensive—and generally no more trouble to install. We suggest
you use 12- or 14-AWG to minimize your voltage drops, or more if the
manufacturer suggests it. Big bilge pumps may require as much as 10-AWG
for reliability and long life (motors fail earlier when run at low voltage).
Remember, the longer your wire run and the smaller your wire size, the
greater the voltage drop you will experience. Conversely, the shorter
your wire run and the larger your wire size, the smaller the voltage
drop you will experience. Use the shortest run and the largest diameter
(largest wire guage size) wire you can to reduce the voltage drop.
Anchor windlasses are a particular challenge for 12v systems. These
motors are much like automobile starters, and use tremendous amounts
of current. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on wire sizes
completely! Don't use welding cable! A possible alternative to long
supply cables for the windlass is the placement of a dedicated battery
near the windlass. Then smaller connectors from the charging system
to the battery can make the longer run.
Run your connectors as high as you can and try to keep electrical connectors
away from compasses and sensitive electronic components (such as electronic
compass sensors). If you can't avoid it, use twisted pair conductors
within three feet of these devices. This avoids creating a magnetic
field from current flow. You don't have to follow industry standards
of color coding, of course, but it will enhance the value of your boat
when it comes time to sell (and survey). And it makes troubleshooting
much easier.
Other important points to bear in mind when working on your electrical
system:
•
All marine electrical equipment must have a breaker or fuse to protect
your wiring as well as the product. Don't use breakers or fuses larger
than those recommended by the manufacturer, or you may find yourself
with "fried" equipment.
•
Don't tap into other wires, no matter how tempting! Go directly to a
positive terminal block and circuit breaker, as well as directly to
a grounding buss.
•
Turn off all power before starting any work.
•
Maintaining good grounds is critical. Avoid unneccesary stray current.
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