"Marine wire" - necessary? Also, crimp connectors.

Message

GregF · #31 Post by **GregF** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 1:33 pm

BTW I keep hearing all of this about the magical "marine" stamp on things. Have you ever actually looked at the crap they sell in a bubble pack card in the boat aisle of a big box store. Look at your typical SeaChoice light. It uses unmarked wire, crimped connections with rivet connections on chrome over steel spring lamp holders.
Certainly you can buy a better quality light but it still has the same "marine" certification (if there is really such a thing).

GregF · #32 Post by **GregF** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 2:34 pm

This is the ABYC spin on it and nowhere is "marine" defined. It does talk about the various wire markings tho.

http://www.marinewiring.com/abyc-marine ... standards/

11.14.2.2 specifically allows the use of types AWM and MTW

BoatCop · #33 Post by **BoatCop** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:34 pm

When I speak of "Marine" grade components, I'm referring to those that meet or exceed ABYC, NMMA or USCG standards. Not just something that has a label that says "For Marine Use".

GregF · #34 Post by **GregF** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 3:52 pm

OK and the AWM/MTW wire on the spool at Home Depot meets AYBC standard 11.14.2.2 and that is all I ever said.

Peace out

GregF · #35 Post by **GregF** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 4:19 pm

I also note that this standard is pretty dated. They list type TW as approved and that is the wire that prompted the sticker on light fixtures about wire "before 1987, 90c" etc.
It is the one that crumbles when it gets hot. THHN/THWN is the replacement wire. AYBC didn't seem to get the word on that. It has only been 25 years.

In their defense, it is virtually impossible to find wire these days that is not THHN/THWN/MTW/AWM rated in that class.

kimbercarry · #36 Post by **kimbercarry** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:21 am

If you do use silicone, don't use it if it smells like vinegar because the acetic acid and will attack the copper.

GregF · #37 Post by **GregF** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:28 am

The guys I know use "liquid tape" in their shrink tube.
I use something similar to spark plug boot grease (Dow 111)

kimbercarry · #38 Post by **kimbercarry** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 8:46 am

I had maintenance responsibilities including machines that ran 24/7 some of them exposed to extreme moisture (steam, hot water, 25% acetic acid and more). Standard was THHN. Never saw a piece of equipment fail because of the wiring.

GregF · #39 Post by **GregF** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:46 am

That was because "THHN" is usually going to be multiple rated like the sample I posted. The ratings with a "W" imply wet location, 2 "H" means high heat (90c) and the nylon over jacket gives it oil and gasoline resistance. AWM bumps that up to 105c.
I have been a licensed electrical inspector for 17 years and I have never seen single rated THHN. I suspect it went away when they stopped using TW as a general wiring method.

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