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Wire size for light bar and navigation lights
#6141049
01/18/16 03:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 408
BULSPRG
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 408 |
I'm installing a 44" light bar and navigation lights on my duck boat, the light bar is 240w. What wire size would y'all recommend? I'll have the bar on one switch and the navigation lights on another, both being supplied by a DC battery.Thanks.
Let em Work
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Re: Wire size for light bar and navigation lights
[Re: BULSPRG]
#6141060
01/18/16 03:07 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
Cast
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630 |
240 (watts) divided by 12 (volts) equals 20 (amps).
that will use a 12 gauge wire, 10 gauge would be better at that load, as 20 amps is maxed out for 12 gauge wire.
Cast I have a short attention spa
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Re: Wire size for light bar and navigation lights
[Re: BULSPRG]
#6141070
01/18/16 03:13 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 746
TTUhunter4
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 746 |
You will definitely want to use at least 10 gauge, assuming you are running the wire from the back of the boat to the front. Cast simplified things and didn't take resistance into account.
"God made man, but Samuel Colt made them equal."
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Re: Wire size for light bar and navigation lights
[Re: BULSPRG]
#6146638
01/21/16 05:37 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 220
Tipps
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 220 |
I always used extension cords for my light wiring on my bowfishing boat, for way more watts than what you are going to do. i've used cheap jumper cables as well, for extending trolling motor wires, which also work great. just a few options if you might have either laying around the house.
Last edited by Tipps; 01/21/16 05:37 PM.
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Re: Wire size for light bar and navigation lights
[Re: Tipps]
#6146845
01/21/16 07:01 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 746
TTUhunter4
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 746 |
I always used extension cords for my light wiring on my bowfishing boat, for way more watts than what you are going to do. i've used cheap jumper cables as well, for extending trolling motor wires, which also work great. just a few options if you might have either laying around the house. Don't do this lol
"God made man, but Samuel Colt made them equal."
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Re: Wire size for light bar and navigation lights
[Re: BULSPRG]
#6146904
01/21/16 07:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
Cast
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630 |
You could use a 12 or 10 gauge extension cord if you like, not a bad way to go but overkill for sure. As far as wire size and resistance is concerned, you're not running enough length to be concerned with the wire's native resistance. That said, run 10 gauge and put it in convoluted loom to protect it.
Cast I have a short attention spa
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