Posted by Sheila Knott on Thu, Oct 08, 2009 @ 03:18 PM
Wire is typically designated "marine wire" if the conductors are tinned to reduce corrosion on the wire.
Did you know that temperature ratings are also important? If the wire does not have a temperature rating on the jacket, you have to assume it is 60˚C rated and it is not suitable for engine rooms.
It is also important to remember that current carrying capacity is directly related to the temperature rating. Since the wire itself is a resistor (very low resistance, but a resistor none the less) as current flows through the wire, it creates heat and the more current the more heat. A 60˚C 16ga wire can only handle 15A outside an engine room, the only place you can use it. A 105˚C rated wire of the same size can handle 25A. This is 166% more current carrying capacity because of the increased temperature rating.
Which would you rather have on your boat?