Replacing mast wiring

[greggron]

The boat is out and the last off. I want to take the opportunity to replace the in mast wiring for the masthead tricolour and anchor lights. What wire should I use please?

 

[David2452]

I wouldn't use wire, that's for fencing. Probably best to use the cross section of cable appropriate to the load of your masthead tri colour and length of run, there are plenty of tables available online, but a minimum of 2.5mm2 is a good idea even if using LEDs due to mechanical strength alone. As for the cable basic technical spec, then go for tinned thin wall.

 

[rob2]

I'd suggest you do the calculations to suit your length of wire and the lights employed - incandescent or diode. Don't forget to double the length of the cable run as the distance required is from one battery or switch terminal to the other, so there and back. In general though the larger the better over this, the longest run on a yacht. If the wallet will stretch to it it's also best to use tinned cable as untinned will eventually corrode within the mast - just where you can't get at it.

http://www.tb-training.co.uk/SYES.html#A Small Yacht Electrical System

Rob.

 

[NormanS]

I wouldn't use wire, that's for fencing.

That'll be why the stuff that's used to transmit electricity is commonly known as WIRING.

 

[greggron]

Thank you

 

[Kwik Decision]

I replaced the cable on our boat a bit over 3 yrs ago, when the mast was down and I was fitting a new NASA Supernova. As the LED light only draws a few hundred mA, I used quite thin cable which was a mistake. The cable runs down a section of the mast just next to the track the mainsail cars run up and downin, but this section is not completely separate from track. Back on the water, but not sailing, I saw the cable was poking out of track, and flapping in the breeze. Pulling it taught at the bottom of the mast caused it to go back into its slot, and I now have a bit of string keeping it taught. Next time the mast comes down it will be replaced with thicker cable, which will stay where it should be. Fortunately it has never caused problems when hoisting the main - I think the action of the cars tends to push it back into place.

 

[Mudisox]

I used some old ex mower cable, tinned multi strand, seems ok. Didn't cost anything either.

 

[Sailingsaves]

I used some old ex mower cable, tinned multi strand, seems ok. Didn't cost anything either.

That is worth noting. Didn't know mowers used tinned. What make of mower was it? Will keep a look out for it when next down the rubbish tip.

If budget won't stretch to tinned, I'd be happy to use 'ordinary' stuff, but seal the ends really well. Contralube 770 etc. Water can only get in at the exposed ends after all (assuming no chafe in which case you'll get a short circuit possibly anyway).