Where can one purchase 22 AWG stranded marine wire? I need to extend some data cables and it calls for ONLY AWG 22 stranded marine wire. Or, can one use 20 AWG stranded marine wire? It will be used for extending GPS data connections. I know that the correct size and type of wire is extremely important. Thanks for any help and guidance in this area.
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Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Mark
Most wires that are that small are not tinned, so I'm not sure what they mean by marine wire. I would just recommend getting a quality 24-gage twisted shielded cable. Don't let an obscure ABYC power wire size sidetrack you. Your boat probably doesn’t meet current ABYC standards any way.
ABYC in the beginning was objecting to how small the NMEA 2000 wires were, when NMEA 2000 started to become popular. ABYC’s objection was that a lite sized NMEA 2000 cable uses 22-gage wire for power and 24-gage wires for data. NMEA did a lot of test research with the US Coast Guard. The tests were successful thus the wire size for NMEA has stayed the same. NMEA and ABYC have kissed and made up and are now giving certification classes together.
My two cents worth.
2003 Catalina 36
Thanks, Les and True Wind! I ended up using 20 AWG stranded, shielded cable. Did the trick. It was interesting and helpful to learn of the history of the discussion leading to the current codes/guielines for wiring on boats.
Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia