Cabling

[coveman]

Hi - Sorry if this has been covered before and I am sure it has, but I can't find the answer!!

Could you give me a guide as to the type of electric cables/wiring to use on a boat for general internal electrics?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Richard10002]

12voltplanet and altecautomotive

Tinned is expensive, but more resistant to corrosion, and you only buy it once.

 

[Rappey]

Multi strand as solid core can break easier due to vibrations and tinned to help with corrosion.
Mine is wired with domestic and automotive wiring and after 37 years is still working well.

 

[elton]

There are some good books on boat electrics, but I've never needed one so I couldn't recommend. But someone might. Otherwise Google

 

[Yellow Ballad]

I've bought oceanflex tinned stuff from 12v planet to do the whole boat, they normally have 10% offers now and then which brought the price down to be competitive.

I'm sure standard cable is fine, the stuff I took out was 45 years old but I like to do a "good" job.

 

[Refueler]

Of course like everything - there is the recc'd and there is what quite a few people use !!

My boat is from 1970's and it still has good wiring from then ... is it marine quality 'tinned' ..... no.

Its typical domestic house cable.

Terrible ... jail sentence !!

 

[Graham_Wright]

If you are strapped for cash, try your local scrapyard. There are bargains there especially for heavy current sizes.

 

[MikeCC]

I think the quality of joints, terminations, appropriate fittings and installation is just as important.

 

[Refueler]

I think the quality of joints, terminations, appropriate fittings and installation is just as important.

Have to agree there .... replaced a lot of connectors where the steel screws corrode ...

But also in the years I've had SA - she has had 3 switch panels .... so-called marine jobs ....

Only reason I used same again - the panel fits a specific hole in the bulkhead and I don't really want to start mucking about with it !!

 

[coveman]

Thanks guys - appreciate the replies.

 

[Richard10002]

Of course like everything - there is the recc'd and there is what quite a few people use !!

My boat is from 1970's and it still has good wiring from then ... is it marine quality 'tinned' ..... no.

Its typical domestic house cable.

Terrible ... jail sentence !!

I must admit to buying tinned if I'm feeling flush, and non tinned if less so. Nothing has failed as a consequence... so far..... so maybe it matters not.

 

[Zing]

It is much more important to keep the salt out. Even gold plating can’t defeat the sea.