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"Steve" wrote in message ... I realize that this might be a prompt for lots of argument but anyway.... I have just started rewiring the 12V side of my boat. While ripping out the miles of cable that seemed to power big blobs of ancient insulating tape I have noticed that the continued wire seems to have survived well. i.e. the boat is 20 years old and the original stuff is which was mainly continued is fine. I can see no signs of corrosion even after stripping large lengths. The insulation is a different matter in some cases. It is in a poor state, especially were it is exposed to heat or sun but that is a different issue. So the question is: Is tinned copper really necessary? It is more than twice the price of pure copper and has the same insulation! I am prepared for quotes from various recommendations and standards (many of which I have read) but what I would really like is some real empirical engineering info here. I have been involved in standards bodies and know how they work. Good ideas can very easily become mandatory requirements because it could be critical in some obscure cases. I was trained as an engineer which is to say I can live with the concept of good enough for purpose. If the life expectancy of pure copper is half that of tinned and tinned will last 30+ years, I can live with having to change the wire again in 15 years. Steve If the ends of the wire can be sealed from moisture then non-tinned wires will work fine. I've seen corroded wire up more than a foot under the insulation. If tinned wires is used then one can use crimped connectors without sealing the ends. Doug |
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