What kind of wire?

[Metgo]

I have a 1990 starcraft semi v fishing boat that I getting ready to rewire. I'm wanting to wire everything to 1 fuse box, bilge pump, lights, ect. I have a spool of regular old 16 gauge speaker wire but I was told that I can't use it because it isn't marine wire and it just corrode and fail. Do I need marine grade wire? What's the difference between regular speaker wire and marine grade wire?

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: What kind of wire?

I'm not sure what "marine grade" wire is but speaker wire is for wiring speakers and NOT carrying battery current. You will need regular secondary automotive wire. Wire gauge will depend on the amperage draw of the circuit. Wires to the starter motor and any pumps will need to be heavier than wires the power small lights and other electronics. All connections should be soldered and shrink wrapped. Avoid butt connectors and scotch locks at all costs. Good luck.

 

[Ned L]

Re: What kind of wire?

ok, So there are a couple of UL listings having to do with 'boat wire' and 'marine wire'. Not to be belittling, but you really don't need to be worried about that for re-wiring a Starcraft. As T-Herrod mentioned above, the gauge (size) does need to be appropriate for the load, and the two other things are that it needs to be stranded (not solid conductor) and tinned copper (strands are silver in color). The tin plating will make it last a lot longer where the conductor is exposed to the air (at terminations), ESPECIALLY in a salt water environment. That's really all you need (proper size and stranded & tinned copper).

 

[bruceb58]

Re: What kind of wire?

Go here and buy your wire:

https://www.genuinedealz.com/

Best prices that I have found. I buy all my wire and cables from them.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What kind of wire?

Welcome to iboats.

Please do not use speaker wire Yes there is marine graded wire that is "pre-tinned" to prevent corrosion. When I re-wired my 16 SS Starcraft I was lucky to find that my local Interstate Battery store carried the wire AND I only had to purchase what I needed.

NEVER use the hull as a ground. It will harm an aluminum boat hull.

MARK everything even if you use colored tape because it will start to get confusing.

 

[Ned L]

Re: What kind of wire?

Wire does not have to be marked "marine" to be made with tinned copper. If you can find tinned stranded copper that is not mrked "Marine" you will probably pay less for it and it will be every bit as good.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: What kind of wire?

Also just seen a site that sized wire andn also gave thye proper color code, wish I'd have bookmarked it.

 

[jhebert]

Re: What kind of wire?

You might consider reading the federal regulations for boat wiring:

http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/pdf/downloads/ELECTRICAL.pdf

See page 37, "Conductors."

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: What kind of wire?

While the Speaker wire may work; You do not want to wire the entire boat with wire that is the same color.
Imaging trying to troubleshoot even a simple light when you can't tell 12v from ground without a meter.
You will also need wire heavier than 16ga in a few locations.

Do it correctly the first time and you won't have to do it again.

 

[Grandad]

Re: What kind of wire?

I'd suggest that you simply confirm that the wire is one of the types listed on page 46 in the document linked above by jhebert. If your wire is not marked as above, don't use it. I'm not sure that "speaker wire" is a defined term, so yours may already be one of the types listed. Almost any wire will be insulated to withstand 12 volts, but there is a lot more to the job performed by the wire's insulation that may be critical depending upon the exact conditions of use. Compliance protocol in the electrical industry dictates that if the wire is not marked, it doesn't meet the required standard.

If you're boating in salt water, tinned wires are preferable, but they are not required by law and are not noted in the above document. I boat only in fresh water and have never in my life had a problem with untinned copper wire. A little dielectric grease on terminals and wire ends before terminating is a good precaution against corrosion. Although there is a standard color code to identify circuits as to their purpose, you may find that purchasing a few feet of pink or purple or brown wire is hard on the budget. I'd recommend that you at least adopt a basic and consistent color code to distinguish positive and negative wires (eg red and black). - Grandad