Wire guage query

[fishfeatures]

Hi,

Am looking to rewire my boat and I don't know what guage wire to buy. It's a 14 ft long boat and I will be powering 4 gauges / bilge pump / nav lights/ VHF and electrical socket for Ipod or phone charger. I just really don't know about wire size at all.

 

[Quick3201]

Re: Wire guage query

14 gauge should work. Smaller the number, the bigger the wire, bigger wire can handle more demand (amperage draw). "0" would be battery cable, "20" speaker wire etc.
Hope this helps.

 

[fishfeatures]

Re: Wire guage query

helps a lot thanks Quick.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wire guage query

You will find that 14 gauge is overkill for the loads you have. 16 gauge is very adequate and much easier to bundle and route -- especially when you get to wiring the gauges. Use 14 if you wish however.

 

[fishfeatures]

Re: Wire guage query

well I'll compare the difference between the two but if you think 16 is easier to work with and will not heat up then it looks to be the better option thanks.

 

[dennis461]

Re: Wire guage query

You did not describe your setup.
Did you intend to have a battery in the stern, then the accessories up near the bow?
If so, you would run one heavy wire (12, 10, or 8 gauge ) up to a fusebox/ switch panel then split different loads out with smaller wires (16) and fuses.

Is the bilge pump in the rear?
It might need wire heavier than 16.

 

[fishfeatures]

Re: Wire guage query

battery will be in the bow to keep weight from stern, will be use fusebox and switch panel. Bilge is in the rear so will use 14 for this and 12 to the fusebox.

will that do then?