Re-wire & cable size

[lesweeks]

In due course I'm going to re-wire the boat I'm restoring. Although I understand the low voltage, high current princple, I'm finding it a bit difficult to identify exactly what size wire I'll need to ensure the safe installation. OK it's multistrand, but is 1.5 sq mm OK? And just what is AWG? Something Wire Gauge perhaps. None of the reels I have mention this measurement. Advice please folks!

 

[tazzle]

There's a handy volt drop calculator HERE - work out the load (amps) on each circuit and vary the cable size until you get a volt drop of less than about 3%.

There are plenty of conversion charts from American Wire Gauge to Cross Sectional Area (not to be confused with diameter) - use the nearest one up