Skip to main content

Marine Battery Cables and Terminals: A Short Q&A

Is your boat’s electrical system on the fritz? Do you need to make a new connection to your boat’s batteries? Thinking of tackling the project on your own?

If you do, make sure you use the right tools and parts for the job - which includes dedicated marine battery wire for any wiring jobs or connections.

And in case you have any questions about marine battery cable and terminals, these are some of the most common.

What Is the Difference Between Marine Battery Wire and Regular Wire?
Both marine battery wire and regular wire and used to carry a current around an electrical system, in the case of battery cable, as leads for a battery.

However, marine battery wire has two specific attributes that make it more suitable for the application than normal wire.

One is that it is not wire at all, but cable. “Wire” is a bit of a misnomer, actually, since a wire is a single-stranded conductor. Cable, on the other hand, is made of many fine braided conductors. Marine battery cable is made with an exceptionally high conductor strand count to make it more flexible.

The other distinguishing feature of marine battery cable is that it is specially treated to resist corrosion (see below).

Why Does Marine Battery Wire Look Silver?
Marine battery cable, A.K.A. marine-grade cable, is typically made with a high number of tinned copper conductors - and each conductor features individual tin plating. This gives the copper a higher-than-average resistance against corrosion, which is a significant hazard in marine environments where corrosives like salt spray and battery acid could quickly inhibit an electrical circuit.

What Gauge Does Marine Battery Wire Need to Be?
The gauge of your marine battery cables and terminals should match. Therefore, if your battery terminals are 14 gauge terminals, your cables should be 14 gauge battery cables. Some battery terminals are capable of accepting a range of compatible gauge sizes, so consult the battery manufacturer if you have any questions. It is also important to remember that a larger battery cable offers less electrical resistance and higher current carrying capacity.

Can You Use Automotive Battery Wire instead of Marine Battery Wire?
It is inadvisable to use automotive battery cable in situations calling for the use of marine battery cables and terminals. While automotive battery cables are intended to be used as leads for batteries, they will either lack the flexibility or corrosion resistance necessary to make them serviceable in a marine environment.

Where Can I Buy Marine Battery Cables and Terminals?
If you’re looking for the highest quality equipment you can find for your next marine electrical project, look no further than EWCS Wire at EWCSWire.com.

All of their marine battery cables are UL-listed and many of them are USCG and ABYC approved. They are also protected against corrosion and fatigue and also feature oil, gasoline, moisture, acid, alkali, and abrasion resistance.

If you have any questions about marine battery cables and terminals, give their customer service team a call at 800-262-1598 for further assistance.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are Marine Electrical Wires The Same As Regular Cables?

  In the world of electronics, there is a huge overlap between the different uses of electrical components in various industries. The reason is that anything powered by electricity needs wiring, and they are made according to widely general principles. However, certain environments and uses can push electrical components to the limit, or prove to be extremely taxing for regular components made for all-around use. Components that go onboard an open sea vessel must be able to withstand extremely harsh and prolonged conditions. This includes tools, work equipment, and electronics. As a general rule, always be ready to lose anything you bring on board. The Key Aspects Of Marine Electrical Wire Some think that automotive wire is tough enough for marine use. In fact, automotive wire is specifically made to withstand extreme heat conditions, and be oil resistant. This might prompt many to assume that automotive and marine electrical wires can be used interchangeably. However, certain fea
1 comment
Read more

Things To Look Out For When Looking For Welding Cable For Sale

Are looking for a welding cable for sale online? If you are, then you must be aware of what they are designed for—not for an undemanding profession, that’s for sure. Welding cable is designed for electric arc-welding machines, it is a conductor that carries the power to fire up the metal rod so that a welding professional can get the work done. However, for a welding cable to properly perform what’s it supposed to do, it should meet the right standards for it to be strong enough to perform its job. Why Must a Welding Cable be Durable? This job is not for the weak and that’s not limited to the professional himself but the cable as well. It’s important to know that you’re getting nothing but the most durable and flexible welding cable there is. There’s a current passing through those wires after all. The last thing you need is for your welding cable to overheat, impeding a speedy welding process. You also don’t want your welding cable to face detrimental effects from accidental cuts,
Post a Comment
Read more

Welding Cable for Sale: Three Key Features to Assess

When you’ve got welding cable on its last legs and are looking for a replacement, one of the best things you can do is buy an exact match for the cable you’ve been using (assuming you were using a suitable cable in the first place). That isn’t always possible, so if you’re looking for welding cable for sale , judge quality by these three criteria. Voltage Rating This is the most important single consideration you need to make when looking at prospective welding cables. Voltage rating is an indication of how much voltage the cable can work with, which will impact how much current it can carry as well. Thicker cables can carry a higher voltage than thinner cables, all things considered. Many welding cables are rated to 600V, just like much building wire. Whatever the case, be entirely certain that the application for which the cables are intended is within the cable’s voltage range. Insulation The insulation with which welding cables are made also plays a prime role in how well th
Post a Comment
Read more