I think something which catches out a lot more people with boats, is the size of the cable that is needed when it is a long run.
For instance, say one has a 24 watt bulb at the top of a 12m mast, hmm, 24 watts 12 volts that's just 2 amps, and then there is a further 8 meters from the mast around the boat to the battery.
Some would think 3 or 6 amp cable would be sufficient, but if you used that you would be putting yourself in danger by severely reducing your visibility in bad weather.
The cable could have reduced the voltage by 2.5 volts or more giving just 9.5 volts at the light, it will be noticeably dimmer and well down on what is specified in the safety at sea regulations.
Add to that any slight corrosion in any joints in the cable due to the salty and damp atmosphere and you have a real problem.
In the case if the example above the correct cable size to use is about 2.5mm ^2 or BIGGER, or in other words 26 amp cable, and even this would only give you about 11.5 volts at the mast head, surprised?
Have a look and scroll down this page and try for yourself. http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/cable-sizi...ction.html
Mike
For instance, say one has a 24 watt bulb at the top of a 12m mast, hmm, 24 watts 12 volts that's just 2 amps, and then there is a further 8 meters from the mast around the boat to the battery.
Some would think 3 or 6 amp cable would be sufficient, but if you used that you would be putting yourself in danger by severely reducing your visibility in bad weather.
The cable could have reduced the voltage by 2.5 volts or more giving just 9.5 volts at the light, it will be noticeably dimmer and well down on what is specified in the safety at sea regulations.
Add to that any slight corrosion in any joints in the cable due to the salty and damp atmosphere and you have a real problem.
In the case if the example above the correct cable size to use is about 2.5mm ^2 or BIGGER, or in other words 26 amp cable, and even this would only give you about 11.5 volts at the mast head, surprised?
Have a look and scroll down this page and try for yourself. http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/cable-sizi...ction.html
Mike
