When talking about battery management systems of any kind, battery cables are among the most important components. It does not matter if we´re talking about automotive or marine battery cables, they must ensure you always have stable power and prevent battery drain. This not only means that they have to be properly secured and protected. Size and gauge play a vital role when choosing the right battery cable for your system. Here are three things you must always bear in mind when selecting and installing your battery cables. Proper Gauge Using the wrong gauge in your battery system is one of the most common causes of power problems. Using gauges that are too thick will not be able to properly distribute power as diameter affects resistance. If your battery cable is too thin for your requirements there is an increased risk of short circuit and even fire. The best way to prevent gauge problems is to make amp and gauge charts available for everyone involved in the installation and maintenance process. Proper Length When trying to determine the correct length and gauge of your battery cable, take Ohm´s Law into account: Voltage drop (V) equals current in amperes (I) times the resistance expressed in Ohm (R), or V=IR. Consider that thinner wires always have a higher voltage drop rate than shorter but thicker wires. Make sure you and everyone involved take the time to calculate and select the correct battery cable gauge and length. Strand Count The strand count inside your battery cable will affect its flexibility: the higher the strand count, the higher its flexibility. Marine battery cables, for example, need to be flexible enough to be driven through narrow spaces and corridors and also provide increased stability under the harsh conditions of a rocking boat. If you are not sure which gauge, length, or type of battery cable you need, or if you are looking for high-quality battery cables, visit EWCS Wire and check out their incredible variety of wires and electrical components.
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Owning a boat requires a lot of work if you want to keep it in top shape for the next outing. Washing and waxing the fiberglass hull, cleaning up the bilge so you can spot leaking fluids, lubricating where needed, flushing your engine… However, one of the most important things to be concerned about is making sure your electrical system works properly. You really don't want to have a power outage when you're away from the shore. Your electrical system not only keeps the lights on in your boat but also pumps life into your engines and powers vital instruments like your navigation and comms equipment. These systems are relatively easy to maintain on land. However, the marine environment puts tremendous amounts of pressure on your electrical systems in the form of humidity, corrosion, constant vibration, and exceptionally common instances of “Murphy's Law” at play. Being aware that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, boat owners are forced to be proactive and make sure they solve problems before they happen. So, installing dedicated marine battery cables and terminals is essential if you want your electrical systems to work regardless of what the open sea throws at it. But, what's the difference between regular wire and marine battery cables and terminals? In general, wires and cables should be able to carry a current load around an electrical circuit. The best material for this is copper as this material is a highly efficient conductor. However, copper is highly vulnerable to corrosion, meaning that any exposure to the marine environment will chew it up faster than you can say “ready to set sail”. Moreover, copper wires are usually too rigid, which means that the constant rocking of a boat can progressively loosen soldered connectors and terminals. Marine battery cables and terminals are specifically made to withstand all these conditions and still be easier to install and maintain. Marine-grade wire has a higher strand count, which means that it is extremely flexible and can be driven through narrow and constrained environments usually found on boats. They are also more stable, even under constant vibration and movement. Each strand inside marine battery cables is individually tinned for maximum corrosion resistance, which gives them their typical silvery look. On the other hand, marine battery terminals are solderless, reducing the amount of labor required to install or replace the wiring. You won't find the usual plastic or PVC sleeves found in automotive-grade terminals. These are replaced by nylon sleeves that provide increased crack, puncture, and corrosion resistance. Their conductors are not made of bare copper but from tin-plated electrolytic copper which reduces power loss, and increases corrosion resistance. They also provide unmatched mechanical connectivity through a tightly insulated wire crimp. As you can see, there are important differences between automotive-grade wiring and marine battery cables and terminals. If you want to find marine-grade electrical supplies, we recommend EWCS Wire. They have everything you need for your next marine electrical project in one place. If you want to know more about their high-grade marine battery cables and terminals, call them at 800-262-1598 for further assistance. Fire alarm cable is of the utmost importance to public safety, as it allows the different nodes within a fire alarm system to communicate. If there’s a problem with the wiring and the system can’t communicate, it can’t relay important information about heat, smoke detection, or carbon monoxide to other nodes, smoke detectors, or alarms in the system. Talk to any civil or electrical engineer about that and they’ll concur. That’s why all of the minute details associated with wiring should be understood - thoroughly understood - before attempting to complete plans or install wiring. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at two important fire alarm cable ratings - for riser-rated and plenum-rated cables. What Is Riser Space? Think of riser space as the “space between the walls” because, in most instances, that’s exactly what it is. It’s also typically sealed off to access from the inside. As a result, riser-rated cables are typically built to lower or less stringent specifications than plenum-rated cables, but this is not always the case (see below). What Is Plenum Space? As a result, it is possible for the contents of the plenum space to communicate with the rest of the building. That is to say, if there were, for instance, smoke in the plenum space, it could get into the living quarters of the associated floor. Consequently, plenum-rated fire alarm cables (and other cables) must be much more resilient to heat and fire than riser-rated cable. How Does This Affect Fire Alarm Cable? Generally speaking, all fire alarm cables should be high heat resistant, self extinguish, and not produce toxic smoke when burned. However, pllenum-rated cable must be more resistant to heat and fire than riser-rated cable because of the nature of plenum space. As a rule, you can use plenum-rated cable in riser space but not a riser-rated cable in plenum space. Also, one thing to keep in mind is that there are also riser and plenum-rated conduits. If you use a plenum-rated conduit, it may be possible for you to use riser rated cable - but check with an electrical engineer to be sure. Looking for Fire Alarm Cable? Purchasing your first boat is a uniquely liberating experience. The thought of being able to sail away from worries, being alone at sea, spending quality time with your family aboard, or even traveling at leisure, are all ideas that cross most people's minds every once in a while. However, anyone with an IQ of room temperature knows that owning a boat comes with a new host of responsibilities that need to be properly taken care of if they want their dream to last. That's why I have prepared a short and sweet guide on what to look for when buying one of the most important onboard elements: marine electrical cables. What Is Considered Marine Electrical Cable? Marine electrical cables are a category within the electrical wiring industry to designate cables specifically designed to withstand anything life at sea can throw at them. Regular cables used for homes and other commercial uses are designed for dry and static environments where they can remain safely out of sight for years or decades. Contrastingly, marine electrical cables are made with specific uses and conditions in mind to earn their stripes. First, they should be corrosion resistant. While most cables have a protective jacket or insulator, only marine electrical cables have their conductive strands individually coated in tin or lead, making them impervious to corrosion. Secondly, they must be flexible enough to pass through narrow spaces. Boats are known for posing challenging space restrictions, so having adaptable cables is a necessity so you can bend them to accommodate the demands of your ship. Lastly, they need to withstand the rocking of the ship and constant vibrations. Stiff cables transfer vibration to connectors and cause them to become unstable. Marine electrical cables reduce this transfer and provide system stability even under heavy stress. Factors To Be Considered When Buying Marine Wires Make sure you know the amount of voltage your wires need to carry and the voltage drop. As current travels through a conductor the voltage drops, creating a measurable difference between input and output loads. Your cables should not have more than a 3% voltage drop. Amperage is another factor you should consider. You need to take into account ambient average temperatures, gauge conductor dimensions, jacket temp ratings, and interior conditions. Where Can You Find Reliable Marine Electrical Cable? In the world of electronics, there is a huge overlap between the different uses of electrical components in various industries. The reason is that anything powered by electricity needs wiring, and they are made according to widely general principles. However, certain environments and uses can push electrical components to the limit, or prove to be extremely taxing for regular components made for all-around use. Components that go onboard an open sea vessel must be able to withstand extremely harsh and prolonged conditions. This includes tools, work equipment, and electronics. As a general rule, always be ready to lose anything you bring on board. The Key Aspects Of Marine Electrical Wire One of the most obvious factors is that only marine electrical wires are specifically protected from the damaging effects of life at sea. For example, marine-grade wire is usually larger than its advertised gauge size. Sometimes the dimensional difference can be up to 12%. This has to do with their added protection from elements. While copper, the main component of most wires, is relatively more corrosion resistant than ferrous metals, oxidation is still a major concern when on board. Perhaps you have seen the effects of corrosion on copper pipes at home. The distinctive green patina that forms around the affected zone serves as a protective coating in many instances, and some even like the aged look of verdigris copper. However, this patina will prevent electrical current from flowing freely. As a solution, marine electrical wire is spun in thin strands of copper, but each of them is covered by a protective tin layer that protects the cable from the effects of corrosion for years. The insides of a boat do not offer much room for onboard equipment. Moreover, the probability of water coming inside, makes it imperative to keep wires and electrical components out of sight. This often requires your wiring to go through very narrow and winding paths that demand extra flexibility. The copper strands inside marine electrical wires are thinner than those found in automotive cables. This means they are more flexible and less prone to breaking, offering added stability under conditions of extreme mechanical vibrations. The increased copper content makes sure your wires can comfortably carry the intended load. To ensure stable connections, and prevent many of the dangerous incidents caused by faulty electrical connections, make sure you use high-quality marine electrical wire. Electric Wire and Cable Specialists is an online business with decades of experience in the industry. They carry a wide selection of marine electrical wires and accessories for boaters and experienced DIY enthusiasts looking for electrical components and supplies. Visit their website or contact them today. Many appliances in our homes deserve more attention than what they usually get. That is the case of fire alarms, CCTV systems, motion sensors, keypads, and devices that make our homes and businesses safer but stay out of sight and out of mind for most of us. However, these devices are just as important as televisions or refrigerators. Security cables are the unsung heroes among home appliances - they're not glamorous, they don't have a cool display, and you might never see them again after installation. But security cables play an essential role in our lives by ensuring that the various utilities we rely upon are safe and secure. There are two kinds of security cables: safety cables and security cables. While they both enhance home or office safety, they provide that protection in different ways. Security cables are designed to accurately relay information between control and alarm systems. On the other hand, safety cables ensure that devices do not pose a fire hazard by preventing the transmission of electricity. Most of the time, security and safety cables are used in tandem. When you wire a home or an office with CCTV cameras, security cables connect the cameras to the monitor. However, safety cables are needed to protect the system against fire hazards. If a cable that does not have the proper insulation is exposed to high heat, it can cause a fire. The other common application for security and alarm cables is in fire alarms. Most alarm systems rely on several sensors to detect signs of danger from smoke or flames. Sensors are installed in areas where fires frequently occur, such as near a stovetop or a fireplace. They are connected to the main control panel with security cables, but those cables must also be combined with safety cables to prevent electrical hazards. Safety and security cables use different insulation materials to protect against heat, so they offer very distinct benefits for appliances that face different risks of catching on fire. Now, there are many options out there when it comes to choosing security and alarm cables. We recommend going with high-quality cables that come in the right variety depending on your needs. For example, you might need riser or plenum-rated cables. Riser cables are used for vertical runs in a building, such as from a basement to the ground floor of an office. Plenum cables, on the other hand, are designed for horizontal runs through air ducts and plenums that serve as pathways for heating and ventilation equipment. On top of that, riser cables tend to be more durable because they need to be able to maintain insulation standards in the event of a fire. Security cables are designed to meet different standards for plenum and riser applications based on their electrical performance capabilities. We find that Belden security and alarm cables are incredibly reliable and easy to install. They come both in plenum and riser varieties and have features that facilitate their installation, such as ripcords for fast jacket removal, and footage markings to eliminate the need for guesswork. EWCS Wires offers the widest selection of Belden security and alarm cable for all your needs. Is your boat’s electrical system on the fritz? Do you need to make a new connection to your boat’s batteries? Thinking of tackling the project on your own? If you do, make sure you use the right tools and parts for the job - which includes dedicated marine battery wire for any wiring jobs or connections. And in case you have any questions about marine battery cable and terminals, these are some of the most common. What Is the Difference Between Marine Battery Wire and Regular Wire? However, marine battery wire has two specific attributes that make it more suitable for the application than normal wire. One is that it is not wire at all, but cable. “Wire” is a bit of a misnomer, actually, since a wire is a single-stranded conductor. Cable, on the other hand, is made of many fine braided conductors. Marine battery cable is made with an exceptionally high conductor strand count to make it more flexible. The other distinguishing feature of marine battery cable is that it is specially treated to resist corrosion (see below). Why Does Marine Battery Wire Look Silver? What Gauge Does Marine Battery Wire Need to Be? Can You Use Automotive Battery Wire instead of Marine Battery Wire? Where Can I Buy Marine Battery Cables and Terminals? All of their marine battery cables are UL-listed and many of them are USCG and ABYC approved. They are also protected against corrosion and fatigue and also feature oil, gasoline, moisture, acid, alkali, and abrasion resistance. If you have any questions about marine battery cables and terminals, give their customer service team a call at 800-262-1598 for further assistance. Are looking for a welding cable for sale online? If you are, then you must be aware of what they are designed for—not for an undemanding profession, that’s for sure. Welding cable is designed for electric arc-welding machines, it is a conductor that carries the power to fire up the metal rod so that a welding professional can get the work done. However, for a welding cable to properly perform what’s it supposed to do, it should meet the right standards for it to be strong enough to perform its job. Why Must a Welding Cable be Durable? Does Size Matter? 4/0 Gauge Welding Cable Half of the work environment where welding is done is outdoors. This makes the cable exposed to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays that could ultimately break down the insulation of the cable—that is if you’re using a low-quality welding cable. When you’re using a 4/0 gauge welding cable, you won’t have to worry about any of that, not even other outside elements whether it is the unstable weather temperature or how rough the surface of where you are finishing the job. Are you that welder looking for the most durable, most flexible welding cable for sale? You do not need to search anywhere else for that anymore. Visit EWCSwire for your welding needs such as a proper a 4/0 gauge welding cable to ensure safe and speedy job completion. You’re probably familiar with the Statue of Liberty’s pleasant, sea green color. While that seafoam green has become an endearing artistic calling card of that artistic fixture when she was new she was the color of a penny. Shiny, bright, and copper-clad - the same color as a penny or of marine electrical wire. The Statue of Liberty’s color changed due to oxidation that occurred due to contact with the elements, which is the exact same thing that will happen to copper electrical wire and cable when they are exposed. The problem is that electrical wire and cable are not pieces of art whereas statuary is. If copper wire tires turn green their conductivity will be severely adversely affected. Oxidized copper wire is actually a very poor, very inefficient conductor of electricity, and since vessels and other electrical infrastructure that uses them rely on them to keep the lights on the navigational equipment operational, it’s critical to protect marine grade battery cable safe from oxidation by any means possible. This is the main reason that marine battery wire’s copper-stranded conductors are individually tinned. Saltwater Corrosion and Marine Battery Wire For most types of electrical wire and cable, their synthetic insulation alone can help them resist corrosion, but marine wire has another layer of protection that makes it even better equipped to contend with harsh marine environments: boat wiring is typically made of individually tinned copper conductors, which makes them appear silvery. The tin-plated conductors are vital to preserving marine battery wire against corrosion because not every facet of marine wiring’s surface can be protected by insulation. In particular, the wire must be exposed at the ends of leads to make connections to battery terminals; it is at these areas that wiring is at its weakest, but marine grade wiring bears the corrosion-bucking advantage of tin plating, regardless of gauge size. Other Factors Contact EWCS Wire For those whose, livelihood and profession depend on how kind the sea is to them—carpe diem. It’s a place where virtually everyone should keep their eyes peeled for possible dangers such as chemical reactions or harsh environmental conditions. You just really have to be attentive to anything that might fail as this could absolutely jeopardize not just the body of the boat but also a lot of electrical components that might start a fire if not handled properly. When dealing with electrical systems on a boat, there’s a need to use specific materials to maintain safety standards so as not to risk the lives of everyone else. There’s no way to use the same electrical materials we usually use on land when you’re working on a boat because of the hazardous work environment. Considering all kinds of weather conditions, a marine electrical cable is distinctively designed to withstand the uncertainty of the marine environment. What is it made of? For a work environment that is frequently prone to get splashed on by seawater, you will need something to withstand speedy corrosion and oxidation. Once your bare copper is exposed to seawater, you will notice how fast its functionality deteriorates. Also, marine cables are not just your regular thin automotive or household cables. These are thick and enormous wires built to take the worst things the seas can offer. What does it mean by marine grade? Are you ready to install a proper audio system for your boat so you could have a fantastic time at sea? Be sure to use nothing else but marine electrical cable so it could survive the harsh marine environment even after leaving it down by the docks for weeks. If you erroneously other types of cables that are not meant for marine environments, chances are your electronics system might face unfavorable repercussions. If you have no idea where to look, EWCSwire is the best place to find virtually everything you need whether it is marine electrical equipment or it could even be as simple as home electrical cables. EWCSwire can get you what you’re looking for. |
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