Wiring Advice

B

Beachbum49

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2002
Messages
21
I am going to install a terminal block under my console for the VHF, GPS, Fish Finder & docking lights. The block has 4 3Amp fuses. Each accessory has an in line fuse. What gauge wire should I use to run between the battery and the block? Should I put another in-line fuse between the block & the battery?<br />Thanks for your help guys.<br /> :cool:
 
C

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: Wiring Advice

this is what i'd do...<br /><br /># 8 wire from battery to block.. that kinda hinges on how far they are apart.. <br /><br /># 10 if close....<br /><br />i'd cut out the 'inlines' an reconnect/solder back together the wires..<br /><br />i'd get a 30/40 amp fuse for the feeder wire at the battery ...<br /><br />MAIN THING....S O L D E R . everthin'..!!<br />an i mean everthin'... what you can't,,, screw connections, fuses, ect,,,, apply bear grease.. i.e. aluminum wire non oxidation compound.. trade names nolux,penetrux... any hardware store will sell it...
 
B

Beachbum49

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2002
Messages
21
Re: Wiring Advice

Thanks Crab Bait. Are you saying to remove the in lines and then replace the 3 amp fuse in the terminal block with a 1 amp or whatever the in line for that accessory was?
 
LubeDude

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Wiring Advice

CrabBait, I like it, You are a man after my own heart!<br /><br />CrabBait is deffinatly right about the soldering! He didnt mention shrink tubing but Im sure it was an overlook on his part! Crimp fittings have NO part on a boat! They will work for awhile, but they will eventually fail!! :eek: Been there done that!<br /><br />LubeDude
 
snapperbait

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: Wiring Advice

Soldering as the only means of connection is a definate no-no... Thats not from me, thats USCG regulation.. <br /><br />"A soldered connection must not be the sole means of connection between two or more conductors or between a conductor and a connector. Crimped connectors are prefered."<br /> http://www.herknperk.com/HTMLobj-1743/USCGPamphlet.pdf <br /><br />Once crimped, then you may solder and heat shrink till your hearts content... :) <br /><br /> I use anchor brand heat shrink connectors and never had one come back with a prob...
 
LubeDude

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Wiring Advice

Well, providing the proper solder is used, Ive never had a soldered connection fail, and I have had a bag full of crimp connections fail!! Understand where you are coming from though!!!<br /><br />LubeDude
 
C

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: Wiring Advice

thanks for the back-up & the chime-in ,fellas..<br /><br />yeah,, who needs the up & hidden 'in-lines' since you have a nice convienant fuse block..<br /><br />that's rite,,, just put in the proper size fuse...<br /><br />after solder... heat shrink is optional.. any kind of insulation will work well.. tape, brush-on/liquid tape ... just about anythin' will work... cause it's soldered,, no oxidation can happen... therefore,, the insulation doesn't need to be perfect as to stave-off the corrodtion..<br /><br />but heat shrink is a good one,tho..<br /><br /> just make sure you slip it on first & it don't shrink-up/get hot when solderin'...<br /><br />SNAPPER'S rite... i shoulda wrote that in... sometimes i take knowledge for granted,,, that everone should know..<br /><br />but yes,,,all connections must be mechanical first...i.e. crimp tool/stacon, fork,circle, spade, splice barrell,ect...<br /><br />then solder the heck out of everthin'..!!!<br /><br />ps.. i try an buy the non-plastic type of connectors..i.e. red/blue/yellow..<br /><br />but if'n they are,,, i cut 'em off .. as per to solder...
 
B

Beachbum49

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2002
Messages
21
Re: Wiring Advice

Thanks for all the help guys. I know enough about this kind of stuff to be dangerous. It sure helps to have a place to go to before tearing something up. Hell of a lot cheaper sometimes too! :cool:
 
LubeDude

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Wiring Advice

Glad to help, Not everyone can be geniouss like the rest of us!!!<br /><br />No, No, No, Just kidding!! :D Most of us learned from the same school! (School of Hard Knocks)<br /><br />LubeDude
 
snapperbait

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: Wiring Advice

"School of Hard Knocks" Man you ain't kidding.. Got the scars to prove it... :D
 
bubbakat

bubbakat

Captain
Joined
Oct 29, 2002
Messages
3,110
Re: Wiring Advice

yea my wife would knock me all the way out the door when I came in with grease and dirt on me :D :D :D :D
 
K

Ken G

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 28, 2003
Messages
158
Re: Wiring Advice

Check the installation instructions of your electronics. I can't remember how I wired my VHF but I know Lowrance/Eagle recommends wiring depthfinders directly to the battery with the proper inline fuse.
 
1

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: Wiring Advice

Crimps do work extremely well when applied correctly, and they are a very good idea. When things go wrong, high amps in a small wire is going to create a lot of heat and can melt the solder. If solder is the only source of bond, there is an opportunity for things to go from bad to worse. (I am not consistent with my crimping technique. I crimp/crush/mangle/fold and solder :) )<br /><br />VHF and depth finders both are fine on a power distribution source (fuse/terminal block), IF the distribution source is substantial enough. (I don’t think the manufacture’s wants you to daisy chain their electronics off the voltage source of something like your fuel gauge light.) Fuses protect everything down-line from them, placing them close to the source (+) is recommended. Definitely, without question, fuse the distribution source close to the battery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top