Wiring advice needed

[BaitCaster]

I'm going to be installing a new bilge pump in my tin. I have a switch panel that I am going to be installing along with the pump. Eventually I plan to also wire an aerator and some nav lights to the panel, but that will be another day.

As for the bilge pump, the wiring instructions that came with the pump and with the switch panel look pretty straight forward.

Does anyone have any advice on the wiring? What kind of wire should I use?

BC

 

[RivRunR]

I'm no electrical expert, but I believe you want marine-grade tinned copper wire, minimum 16 gauge with a 2 Amp fuse.

But it depends on the load and the length of run, and that's where my "understanding" breaks down... :?

 

[BaitCaster]

I'm no electrical expert, but I believe you want marine-grade tinned copper wire, minimum 16 gauge with a 2 Amp fuse.

But it depends on the load and the length of run, and that's where my "understanding" breaks down... :?

Thanks, that's a good start. The switch panel has built in fuses. It will be a short run from battery to pump to panel.

 

[Hanr3]

Pick up a 25' roll of trailer wiring from your local supplier for about $10. It comes with 4 color coded wires attached to each other. Whack it off to length, use two wires for the bilge pump and leave the other two wires for your livewell pump when you add it, or for your overhead light.

Tinning is only required on boats used in salt water. Fresh water boats dont need it. Besides, your trailer wiring no doubt sees more water than your boat wiring ever will.

It's not worth the hassle and expense to buy different sized wiring for each device (light, pump, etc). The trailer wiring is thick enough to wire everything on your boat except the trolling motor, and acessory outlets rated at 10 amps or more.

Wire connections- I use crimp on connectors with the insulating outer jacket and dielectric grease. The grease keeps the corrosion away, and the insulation protects the connectors from shorting out.

 

[BaitCaster]

Pick up a 25' roll of trailer wiring from your local supplier for about $10. It comes with 4 color coded wires attached to each other. Whack it off to length, use two wires for the bilge pump and leave the other two wires for your livewell pump when you add it, or for your overhead light.

Tinning is only required on boats used in salt water. Fresh water boats dont need it. Besides, your trailer wiring no doubt sees more water than your boat wiring ever will.

It's not worth the hassle and expense to buy different sized wiring for each device (light, pump, etc). The trailer wiring is thick enough to wire everything on your boat except the trolling motor, and acessory outlets rated at 10 amps or more.

Wire connections- I use crimp on connectors with the insulating outer jacket and dielectric grease. The grease keeps the corrosion away, and the insulation protects the connectors from shorting out.

Thanks alot - that is great advice!

Went to my local marine service shop and he sold me 20 ft of 15 gauge marine wire for $10. That will do for the bilge pump, but I will take your advice and get the trailer wiring for the rest of my wiring needs.