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Can I use Solid wire for rewiring sailboat if not WHY?
rhys wrote:
On 27 May 2004 07:54:14 -0700, (Michael
Sutton) wrote:
do they use 110v 12 gauge solid core "romex" like they do
for home installations for do they acutally use stranded wire
in conduit? I just can't see all the boat manufactureres going
to this expense.
Well, perhaps my experience will be instructive.
The panel is little metal toggle switch with glass fuse holders with a
common positive side. Most of the DC power lines are very narrow, 20
or 22 gauge, to a terminal block in the head and aft and forward to
running lights. I replaced all mast wires with 12 gauge to spreader
lights, steaming and deck lights and 14 gauge to trilight and anchor
light. All DC wiring is tinned and stranded.
Wow, what a difference. Wait until I upgrade the cabin wiring and
replace the panel. The only exception to this is perhaps I will leave
the cabin lights with the old wiring, which is not in bad condition,
if I switch from 12 VDC auto light bulbs to LEDs...the LEDs draw so
little it is hardly worth the effort of drawing the cables through
cabinetry, etc.
I also replaced the stern light wire with 16 gauge to the panel.
Again, a gratifying jump in brightness.
This has more to do with proper wire sizing than new wire or stranded wire.
--
the most committed always win
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