Wire gauge and fuse sizes

[brichey]

As per my diagram I plan to wire up my running lights and a bilge pump. Need to know the wire gauges to use. Also, for a 1 amp, 12 watt bulb, do I use a 2 amp fuse? Anything else that I need to know? The boat is only 16 feet long, so wire resistivity is not a big factor.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Wire gauge and fuse sizes

http://bestboatwire.com/catalog/includes/languages/english/wire_gauge_chart.html

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wire gauge and fuse sizes

16 gauge wire is adequate for nearly every accessory in the boat except for hgh current draw items. Less than 16 gauge is too fragile and more than 16 gauge is overkill. Use a 7 amp fuse for the bilge pump and 3 amp for the lights.

 

[brichey]

Re: Wire gauge and fuse sizes

If the gauge of wire is too light, the wire may heat up or is simply too fragile, right? Does choosing a heavier gauge have any drawbacks besides additional cost? Obviously, I am not talking about some ridiculously heavy gauge, just one or two sizes heavier. For instance, if I have a roll of 14 or 12 gauge wire, are there any drawbacks?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wire gauge and fuse sizes

I am not talking about some ridiculously heavy gauge, just one or two sizes heavier. For instance, if I have a roll of 14 or 12 gauge wire, are there any drawbacks?

14 or 12 gauge is rediculously heavy for the devices you want to power but go ahead and use it if you wish. Making connections on two different gauges of wire using butt splices for example can be an issue. As for wires heating up, that's why you use fuses or breakers. You NEVER use a fuse with a rating higher than the current carrying capacity of the wire otherwise the wire becomes the fuse and your boat becomes ashes (at least to the water line).

 

[brichey]

Re: Wire gauge and fuse sizes

Great input. Thanks.