Running battery cables

[dOb]

I've done some reading but didn't find anything conclusive. Only a couple of things that raised more questions.
I have a 16' deckboat with center console and 85 hp johnson motor. I will be running the battery cable from the console, under the deck through 3" PVC and connected to posts under the cap about 2' from the motor. It is about 15' from battery to posts. I planned on using either 6 awg or 4 awg marine cable. I could go bigger if needed.

Is there an issue with running both the pos and neg cables through the same conduit? I wouldn't have thought so, but something I read made me wonder.

Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

no reason not to run both cables thru same conduit.

I personally would upsize cables to at least a 0. 6 is a bit small, and 4 would be marginal.

 

[dOb]

Thanks. I did find some 1 awg marine grade tinned boat cable. Would this be big enough or should I look for 0?

 

[Scott Danforth]

1 awg should be fine for the length and current of the starter in your 85

 

[dOb]

Great. Thanks! This isn't the original design so I'm having to make it up as I go. I appreciate the help.

 

[bruceb58]

Go here to get custom cables made up with the exact ends you need:

http://www.genuinedealz.com/

Very reasonable.

 

[StingrayMike]

No issues with running both cables in the same conduit

 

[jhebert]

Is there an issue with running both the pos and neg cables through the same conduit? I wouldn't have thought so, but something I read made me wonder.

There cannot really be an "issue" --a matter of important national concern or debate--about how YOU install 12-Volt D.C. wiring inYOUR recreational boat. There are no federal regulations that cover this. You are free to wire your boat any way you like. You might want to check your state regulations, but I doubt they regulate this, either

I recommend you try to comply with the recommendations of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). You can usually find their advice on 12-Volt D.C. wiring on-line for free access, although they will also be glad to sell you a printed copy.

Because the ABYC recommendations are incorporated in some federal regulations, the recommendations are part of federal law, and you can find them at the a law-oriented website at

https://law.resource.org/pub/us/cfr/....E-09.1990.pdf

I don't believe there is any sort of recommendation from ABYC that requires the positive conductor of a 12-Volt circuit must not be run in the same conduit as the negative or ground conductor. If you have a pointer or URL to where you found that advice, I would like to know it.

 

[dOb]

Thanks for the input.

Jhebert - I think when I was searching cable size I came across a thread that mentioned running the pos and neg on opposite sides of the boat to avoid some "issue". Maybe I misread or maybe it was a different situation. In any case, not really worth re-searching to find it.
I appreciate that I can build, wire or paint my boat anyway I like. The beauty of this site is that I can post my intentions, and those with more knowledge can warn me about any potential dangers and give advise. That's what makes this site so great.

Thanks for the link.

 

[NYBo]

The only potential issue of running them in the same conduit would be the wires chafing against each other, wearing through the insulation on both wires, and causing a dead short. Not likely to happen, though.