electrical wire - dimensions and source

[whipper_snapper]

Contemplating re-wiring a boat, I am somewhat confused by the various units for wire size.
I see AWG, G, mm (presumably diameter), area in mm2 and 'circular mils' - what on earth is that ?

Is there a online table for converting, or are some of these just sloppy terminology?

Also, can anyone recommend a UK source for tinned wire and quality insulated crimp terminals suitable for use with tinned wire.


Thanks

 

[Piers]

This is a useful page for knowing cable sizes against power drawn. Here.

I would always recommend tinned cable which does not mean tinning the cables ends - that's called soldering!

For cabling 'bits', try here.

 

[captainslarty]

Slarty's spreadsheet of all things boaty

Hi whipper
take a look at me ol spreadsheet, look at the wiring data bit.. should answer your concerns, and it will calculate the sizes for you.

 

[philip_stevens]

Try this comparison site

 

[Bilgediver]

Also, can anyone recommend a UK source for tinned wire and quality insulated crimp terminals suitable for use with tinned wire.

***************************************************

Having gone to this trouble make sure you use a decent crimping tool and not the el cheepo pliers type.

 

[mikefleetwood]

For a source, look at RS, Farnell, Rapid, CPC or Maplin. They will all supply small orders against a credit card and you can order on-line. Mostly they sell wire by the 100m reel, although I think Maplin and CPC will supply short lengths in some sizes.

Not all sizes are available in tinned strand form, though - you will need to shop around, particularly for the heavier stuff.

It might be worth looking in Halfords or electrical wholesales like CEF, too.

 

[DavidMcMullan]

Index Marine also supply some tinned wire and fittings. (www.indexmarine.co.uk)

 

[Rowana]

[ QUOTE ]



Having gone to this trouble make sure you use a decent crimping tool and not the el cheepo pliers type.

[/ QUOTE ]

Definately most important. Get yourself a ratchet type something like this - http://www.cable-trader.co.uk/item.php?iid=816

The plyer type are as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike.

.

 

[Forbsie]

Also compare prices of ASAP or Aquafax.

 

[whipper_snapper]

Thanks all for an incredibly helpful set of links.

Next question, LED lights.....

 

[Forbsie]

Ultraled

Furneaux Riddall

...but no experience of leds from either. Bought a horn compressor from FR and they were very good.

 

[sailinglegend420]

[quoteDefinately most important. Get yourself a ratchet type something like this - http://www.cable-trader.co.uk/item.php?iid=816

[/ QUOTE ]

If you are doing the battery, alternator and starter you will need a much larger industrial size crimper. They can be hired.

 

[Bilgediver]

If you are doing the battery, alternator and starter you will need a much larger industrial size crimper. They can be hired.

***********************************************

Or you can take the wire and terminations to an auto electrician under the arches and slip him a fiver for doing it!!!!

 

[sailinglegend420]

Getting the cables in place and cut to the exact length first is the key because large diameter can be very expensive so you don't want to over order. If you are doing a lot of work then £100 spent on the right tool will make life a lot easier - and cheaper in the end.

 

[Forbsie]

[ QUOTE ]
Getting the cables in place and cut to the exact length first is the key because large diameter can be very expensive so you don't want to over order.

[/ QUOTE ]

...and when you replace your batteries remember to get the same +/- positions!

I've heard that some people have had a problems connecting the cables to a new battery. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif