Electrical Wiring

C

CaravelleOption

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2009
Messages
2
I recently added an auxiliary jack to my boat, so I can plug my phone, etc into it. I used regular 16 gauge wire, and ran it to my fuse box (added a 10 amp fuse), and grounded it appropriately at the box. I have since been reading that I should have probably used marine grade wire on the boat. I live inland, store the boat inside a garage when not in use, and only use it on smaller freshwater lakes (maybe once a week). Does anyone know if I should be concerned with the use of regular wire for this type of application, in leiu of marine grade wire? Thanks
 
N

Numlaar

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 9, 2009
Messages
633
Re: Electrical Wiring

I really don't think it will be a problem for your scenario... marine grade wire is "tinned" to help reduce the chances of the copper corroding. This usally happens from saltwater exposure mostly.

I used regular wire in my boat, and it will be in saltwater 90% of the time...

I think the problem would develop at the connections where you break the insulation, but if you solder up the connection good with heat shrink tubing even then its not really a problem...

So I think you will be just fine.
 
Bifflefan

Bifflefan

Commander
Joined
May 27, 2009
Messages
2,933
Re: Electrical Wiring

i would woory about that at all.
my boat had a old house extension cord going to the bildge pump,(PO did it)
he said "been like that for years".
I replaced it but it still worked fine.
 
Les Robb

Les Robb

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 14, 2009
Messages
435
Re: Electrical Wiring

I hope the phone is for finding the hotest fishing spots. You shouldn't have any problems with the regular wire under these conditions, but is is a little light say for spot light etc. 12 or 14 beng better. As a safeguard spray all open connections with LPS 2 or 3 which forms a really good seal against corrosion.

Safe boating ya'll
 
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