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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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AC wire size?

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sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/13/2004 : 13:02:42

I attached this question to a ac panel question in the 250 forum, but I believe ac wiring is more common on 25s than 250s so here is my repeat post regarding wires.

Here is my question:...I'm gonna pick up marine grade 10 gauge triplex for the run (less than ten feet) from the 30 amp shore power inlet to my ac panel. That seems the safe standard, and what most have stated is the norm in past threads. After that things seem cloudy. Going from 15 amp breakers on the panel to 15 amp GFI outlet/s what gauge is recommended? I've read 10, 12 and 14. Is it better or even possible because of size vs. amp of outlet to go with 10 all around? And then what guage wire from the gfi outlet to others connected to that outlet ("slaved" off the first on same breaker).

Hope I made sense. Thanks!

Suzie, Tropical Sleigh

WB #619 Sarasota FL.

Edited by - on

Dan L
Deckhand

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USA
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Response Posted - 10/13/2004 : 13:33:07

For a 15 amp breaker #14 is acceptable but #12 is preferred. The thicker #12 wire will stay cooler. This is particularly important if you plan to use high consumption appliances like a space heater or air conditioner. Also you should used stranded wire and not solid copper. The stranded wire can withstand bending and movement better than solid wire.

Good Luck with your wiring project

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jtbarrett
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2004 : 11:28:50

Sailgal...

Dan is correct in that #14 is good for 15a(amps) of current but #12 not much more exspensive & would be more durable and can also support up to 20a of current. One thing to remember is you can always go up in wire size but never down in relationship to the breaker or fuse size being used. For example a 20a breaker must have #12 run to it & and not #14, but #12 as well as #14 can be used for a 15a circuit. Being an electrician I seldom see #14 used for much anymore (mainly for security and machinery controls). Genrally I put up to 12 outlets on a normal #14 wire and for #12 I put 18 outlets. As for the #10 from shore power to the distribution panel inside the boat that would work fine. Basically it needs to be able to handle the amp drawel for the whole boat as you turn individual breakers on. As far as the use of #10 throughout the boat,waste of money and besides #10 is bigger and harder to work with in tight conditions. Anyway I hope this helps if you and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask, I check the site often.

Fair Winds..

Jonathan T. Barrett
'82 SK SR #3047
"Hang Loose"

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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2004 : 16:46:36

Suzie, # 12 AWG, rated for 20 amps, is recommended for all 15 amp. 110 volt branch circuit wiring to any receptacles you intend to install. # 10 is overkill and the receptacle's terminations are not designed to accept it properly. # 14 is rated for 15 amps, but should never be used for branch circuit wiring. I hope this helps.

Edited to add, I would use # 8 AWG for the wiring between your shore power inlet and the main panel bus rather than # 10.

Edited by - oldsalt on 10/14/2004 16:49:25

sailgal
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Response Posted - 10/14/2004 : 23:57:22

Thanks Guys once again, since the largest breaker is 20 amps the rest 15 I took the advise of all and bought 12 guage. (10 g from panel to inlet) Shopped all three major marine shops (boatus, wm, boaters world) all charged 1.79 a foot for tri 12 g. if anyone ever was wondering.
Appreciate the input! Thanks again!!

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