When it comes to wiring any system, using the correct wire and cables is always essential. This is especially important when you are wiring in marine applications. The constant rocking of waves and the presence of saltwater and other corrosive agents means you need wires that can really stand up to some abuse. Using terrestrial cable for marine applications is a recipe for disaster, so make sure you are using proper marine battery cable and wiring whenever you are working on a boat’s electrical system.

Here at EWCS Wire, we know how important it is to go into every job with the correct supplies. That’s why we have been dedicated to providing businesses and individuals with the wire and cables they need for the last 25 years. Whether you need to wire up a fire alarm system or a boat, we can help you find the perfect supplies for the job.

The heart of every cable, literally and metaphorically, is copper. This metal offers the perfect balance of cost and conductivity. While many homeowners may be familiar with products like Romex wire, these sturdy solid copper conductors are great for use in the home but could spell disaster on a boat. Any wire that uses a solid conductor will lack flexibility and may shake loose or split after being exposed to regular shaking. The copper content itself will also be more likely to oxidize in the presence of saltwater or other corrosive elements.

To prevent these sorts of failures, there are several requirements marine battery cables have to meet. In order to prevent splitting and shaking out of place, marine cables need to be extremely flexible. To achieve this, these cables need to feature conductors made up of fine copper strands. Our 2 AWG marine battery cables feature 665 strands of copper in order to achieve this level of flexibility. This fine stranding makes our marine cables extremely resilient to splitting or shaking loose due to the constant rocking boats experience while they are in the water.

The way you secure your wires will also make a huge difference in preventing unexpected wiring failure. While a little electrician’s tape and some wire nuts will cut it when you’re wiring a new light fixture in a kitchen, these methods are not secure enough for marine applications. When you are wiring on a boat, there is no such thing as overkill. All of your wire connections should be using ring tongue terminal connections that are both crimped and securing with shrink tubing.

All of these steps will help prevent wires shaking loose or exposing the conductors to the elements. Even if the copper strands of your wiring does come into contact with water, the marine cable we offer is designed to deal with that. By coating our copper strands with tin before using them to make our marine wire, we greatly lower the reactive potential of the conductors. These cables will outlast untreated copper and prevent quick oxidation.

The final layer of protection on our marine battery cables is their sturdy jackets. The tough jackets on our marine battery cables resist exposure to acids, abrasion, alkalis, gasoline, moisture, and oil. This means you can throw whatever the engine compartment of your boat has in store at these sturdy cables without fear of degrading the jacketing.

Just like it is crucial to start out with the correct wiring, it’s also extremely important to maintain it. Regularly checking your cables is still important, as even tinned copper will oxidize given enough exposure. Marine conditions, especially exposure to saltwater, are not ideal for electrical systems. Following the guidelines put in place by The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) is a good first step when beginning to wire any marine system.

If you have any questions regarding the type of marine battery cable you need, our team is here to help. We know our products inside and out and we can tell you the correct AWG and lengths you will need for your project. We also carry a variety of additional marine cables with 2 and 3 conductors for wiring AC electronics on your boat.

Whatever your wiring needs, EWCS is here to get you the wire and cable you need for a great price with fast shipping. We manufacture all of our wires and cables right here in the US and are able to offer our customers manufacturer direct pricing. We also have fulfillment centers across the US and we usually are able to ship orders out the same day. Depending on location, our customers typically receive their supplies within three days. If you cannot find the exact wire or cable you need, feel free to ask our team about placing a customer order at sales@EWCSWire.com.