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Protecting 10 AWG Marine Primary Wire from the Elements

24th Aug 2021

There are a few different distinguishing features that characterize 10 AWG marine primary wire, among them being the gauge, the type of insulation used, and the nature and treatment of the conductors.

The categorization of 10 AWG wire is straightforward enough. It has a diameter of .102 inches or 2.59mm, and for its part, ours is rated at 600 volts, a pretty common rating.

But you’ll also notice, if you take a close look, that our marine primary wire has a number of other distinguishing ratings with respect to how the conductors are arrayed and finished with special insulation.

They are made of a very high strand count of individually-tinned copper conductors, and finished with special insulation that is designed to protect against the following environmental hazards.

Not Just Moisture, Seawater

Moisture itself is terrible for electrical circuits; since water is conductive, it can cause shorts, damaging or incapacitating an electrical system, or even worse. Boats, however, have it worst of all, since many of them are marine faring vessels that ply the open sea.

Freshwater is bad enough, but seawater causes corrosion in the blink of an eye. The salts in seawater actually catalyze the reaction that causes metals like iron and copper to oxidize. If you’ve ever seen the blue-green patina that copper develops when exposed to the elements, that’s what happens when you expose electrical conductors to seawater, except it’s worse.

In a matter of days or weeks seawater can cause crippling corrosion to copper electrical wire and cable. Luckily, marine grade wire is manufactured from individually tinned copper stranded conductors, enabling it to better buck corrosion. This gives the exposed cable the ability to withstand the elements more effectively, especially when exposed, such as at connections.

Oils and Gasoline

Oils and gasoline can also prove hazardous for electrical wire, whether on land or at sea. There are several issues associated with these. While oil is actually not very conductive, some oils and gasoline, specifically, are able to dissolve plastics and polymers. This means that some electrical insulators will wear away in the presence of oil and gasoline, both of which are commonly encountered substances on motor vessels.

The other issue is that, even if the marine primary wire is able to withstand the influence of oil or gasoline, both of them are flammable, and hot wires or sparks can ignite a fire. It’s safer when oils and gasoline are contained, but vital for the marine wire’s insulation to be resistant to these chemicals as well.

Acids and Harsh Bases

Harshly acidic and basic chemicals are also unfortunately common on marine vessels, arising from various natural and artificial sources. The primary source of these chemicals is through cleaners, solvents and other agents used during cleaning and maintenance.

Wherever they come into contact with electrical wiring insulation they are liable to do two things: dissolve the insulation and then corrode the conductors, which can cripple the electrical system of a boat or even start a fire. Even if you skirt these issues, damaged or worn insulation will expose the cable underneath to seawater and other elements.

Weather, Including High and Low Temperatures

High and low temperatures, high humidity, rain and even ice and snow sometimes beset vessels underway. These vessels rely on their electrical systems in general and their navigation systems in specific to weather these adverse conditions.

Summarily, it is imperative for cables used in marine environments to resist the weather and the extreme temperatures produced by it. Our 10 AWG marine primary wire, for instance, is rated for operability between -20C and 105C.

Mechanical Abrasion

Mechanical abrasion is another issue with which marine grade wire must contend. There are a lot of moving parts on a boat or a ship, and this is one of the reasons that marine grade wire is manufactured with a high strand count, to remain flexible and to bend rather than fraying or breaking. The insulation we pair with our 10 AWG marine primary wire is also specifically resistant to abrasion to give it extra lifespan and better durability.

Other General Factors

These are some of the specific factors against which you must protect marine wire, and with which our 10 AWG marine primary wire is well equipped to contend. All of our marine grade wiring is made from individually tinned copper stranding for maximum protection against corrosion and electrolysis, and resists fatigue due to vibration and flexing.

If you’re looking for the best US Coast Guard Approved marine grade battery cable that is also UL approved and meetings ABYC standards, you’re in the right place.

To learn more about how to protect marine grade wiring from the elements, or what type of wiring or cable you should use in a given situation, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-262-1598 or at sales@ewcswire.com.