Nav and Achor Light wire gauge and fuse size

[Fishpoop]

Hi all im going to install a stern and bow light on my tinny and I will be using the three stage switch and wiring diagram that is posted as a sticky. my question is what size fuse and what gauge wire do I need?

 

[bassman284]

Re: Nav and Achor Light wire gauge and fuse size

3 amp fuse and 18 or 16 gauge wire should do it.

 

[Fishpoop]

Re: Nav and Achor Light wire gauge and fuse size

Great! Gotta get my lights ready for some night time walleye....

 

[bassman284]

Re: Nav and Achor Light wire gauge and fuse size

Hope your walleyes are on the move. Ours seem to be a little sleepy still.

 

[ssobol]

Re: Nav and Achor Light wire gauge and fuse size

If you are using LED lights you can usually get by with a lot smaller wire size and fuse. With LEDs sometimes the mechanical aspects of the wire (e.g. resistance to breakage) may be the limiting factor.

Smaller gauge wire can be easier to run.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Nav and Achor Light wire gauge and fuse size

16 gauge is usually the smallest recommended for 12 V on a boat. As ssobol has hinted at, it's a matter of mechanical strength.