Breaker Panel Mess
Marc wrote:
My boats breaker panel is such an unholy mess that it is almost
impossible to remove and get enough service slack to do any work.
There are numerous problems ranging from the battery leads being too
short to impossibly stiff (non marine ) wire. I am going to get longer
battery leads, but for the low amperage circuts, I am thinking of
running all to terminal strips behind the panel and then run new,
appropriate length, wire from the terminal strips to the panel.
Am I looking at any current loss problems with such an arrangement?
Any other ideas as to how to reorganize the panel?
Try this: Use THHN or T-90 industrial wire, with at least 11 strands in
a number 14 wire, for amperages under 15. Over that, use #12 for up to
20 amps, and #10 for up to 30 amps. DO NOT use solid wire... the
advantage of T-90 wire is that it is oil and gas resistant, and has a
temperature rating of 90 degrees C before breakdown occurs. Also, any
crimp terminals can be sealed effectively with liquid electrical tape,
available from any marine dealer. That stuff is great!
Jim G
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