Buss bar wiring

[First Attempt]

I'm rebuilding a 1973 hydrostream and am currently doing the wiring. I bought a combination fuse/switch panel to use, and it has a buss bar built in, what gauge wire should i use to connect the + buss bar to the battery. It'll be carrying a gps, lights, maybe trim control/not sure, bilge pump, horn, and maybe a small stereo. Any suggestions?

 

[thurps]

Re: Buss bar wiring

I would use at least a #10 and make sure you use a dielectric silicone grease on all your connections and fuses.

 

[PondTunes]

Re: Buss bar wiring

I agree with at least a #10, going with a bigger wire won't hurt anything as long as your buss bar will accept it.

Did your panel come with a negative buss bar as well? If so remember to use the same gauge there as you do to the positive buss. If the ground is smaller you could run into overheating issues!

 

[First Attempt]

Re: Buss bar wiring

it only came with a positive buss bar, the negative comes from the panel, goes to the appliance, then to the negative battery port. Heres a link to the panel, boatersworld.com/product/196901151.htm?bct=t13037503%3Bcielectrical-plumbing%3Bcipanels-wiring%3Bcipanels"]http://http://www.boatersworld.com/product/196901151.htm?bct=t13037503%3Bcielectrical-plumbing%3Bcipanels-wiring%3Bcipanels

 

[wire2]

Re: Buss bar wiring

Here's a couple of tables showing ampacity of different size wires.

http://www.friesen.com/manuals/Allowable_Ampacities.asp

The 1st table for a single copper conductor in free air, shows 40 A for a #10. It drops to 30 A (2nd table) when it's in a bundle with other wires. (Heat buildup)

These tables are from the electrical code governing wiring in homes & businesses using 115/230/460v ac.

For 12v dc applications the rating is always higher.