Among the many specialty types of electrical wire and cable we sell here is marine electrical cable, which has a few unique traits that make it suitable for its use in marine environments, specifically aboard oceangoing vessels.

Let’s take a close look at what it is and why it matters.

The Two Defining Attributes of Marine Electrical Cable

In most respects, marine electrical cable is basically the same as other types of electrical cable. It is, ultimately, an electrical conductor that is enclosed and protected by a special type of insulation.

There are two things, however, that fundamentally make marine electrical cable what it is. These have to do with the treatment of the conductors as well as their thickness.

In the first place, marine battery wire is commonly made from very thin, finely stranded copper conductors. A marine electrical cable as small as 6 AWG could have more than 250 strands in the cable.

The reason for this high strand count is to ensure that the cable remains highly flexible. This is necessary in marine applications, specifically on board boats, as highly flexible cable is easier to work around obstacles and draw through tight spaces. It also makes it less likely that a stiffer cable with any memory will wrench itself free of an established connection.

The other thing about marine electrical cable has to do with how the conductors themselves are treated. Take a close look at some of the marine battery wire on our website and see if anything strikes you.

It looks silver, right? Well it isn’t, and it isn’t aluminum, either, even though the latter is commonly used because it is affordable, lightweight, soft, ductile, and makes a decent conductor, all things considered.

No, marine battery wire is in fact made with copper conductors. The thing is that these conductors are individually tinned in order to help buck corrosion. Individually tinning the strands not only safeguards the flexibility worked into them but also helps completely seal off the conductors from the ravages of corrosion.

This is critical because it serves as a second layer of protection for the marine wire (the first being the actual insulation). In the event that any moisture or salt gets under the jacket, (which is inevitable, anyway) the tinning helps slow the influence of corrosion and can even prevent it from traveling up the wire under the insulation.

These are the two defining features of marine electrical cable, and are necessary to protect it while ensuring it remains serviceable for the applications for which it is designed.

A word or two on the quality of the insulation used for marine electrical cable is also in order.

About the Insulation

Marine electrical wire and cable are also made with special insulation which guarantees that they have the qualities necessary for installation and performance in marine environments.

For instance, our marine electrical wire and cable are made with insulation that protects the wire against acids and alkali substances, as well as against gasoline and oil - necessary in marine environments, in which exposure to these latter two substances is a foregone conclusion.

As you might expect, the insulation we use is also resistant to moisture as well as to abrasion,  which is necessary to mitigate fire risk. Electrical cable insulation getting abraded and fraying, exposing the conductors underneath, is a serious risk on board vessels that produces an elevated risk of fire.

What Accreditations to Look for

If you’re looking for marine battery wire for use on board a boat or in some other marine environment, there are several accreditations to look for.

Among the most important of these are certifications from UL, or Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety company that tests equipment like this, as well as the NEC, or National Electrical Code. You might also look for approvals from the USCG, or United States Coast Guard, as well as the ABYC, or American Boat and Yacht Council.

Why Using the Appropriate Gauge Marine Electrical Cable Is Essential

In addition to using the appropriate type of electrical wire and cable for an application - in this instance, for marine installations - it is equally important to use a cable of the proper gauge and rating for the installation.

It is absolutely critical never to exceed either the voltage rating or amperage rating of any given electrical cable, either at sea or otherwise. Both of these ratings, which are in turn determined largely (or entirely) by the gauge, or thickness of the wire, will determine how hot the cable gets during use.

Trying to use a cable that’s too thin to carry voltage and current in excess of its maximum ratings will cause the cable to overheat, can melt the insulation, cause arcing or a heightened risk of electrical shock, and if that weren’t deterrent enough, can cause a serious risk of fire, which is a grave threat to life and limb on boats.

Therefore, make sure you never use an electrical cable in any installation unless it is of a large enough gauge.

Can You Use Automotive Battery Cable?

Automotive battery cable and marine battery cable are essentially used for the same thing, just in different vehicles, so you might wonder if you could use them interchangeably.

The answer is no. Automotive battery cable offers no additional protection against corrosion and is likely to oxidize rapidly in marine environments and cause a short, raising the risk of a fire.

If it’s for use on a vessel or otherwise in some marine capacity, use marine-rated electrical cable. Do not attempt to substitute.

Here for High Quality Marine Electrical Wire?

In need of a supplier of high-quality marine electrical wire? Our marine battery cable and wire is exceptionally flexible and made with individually-tinned copper conductors, guaranteeing top-tier performance and protection against corrosion. It is also acid, alkali, oil, gas, moisture, and abrasion resistant. Consult our catalog for more information and if you have questions, contact us at Sales@EWCSWire.com.