Ask PYS - I Have a Burned Wire on My Boat, How Does This Happen?
10 October 2020 · 3 min · 3K views
What this video covers
Charred insulation on a 14-gauge ground wire indicates the conductor is carrying more amperage than its rated capacity.0:11 This overheating often results from an appliance drawing more current than the circuit was designed to handle, or from a missing or improperly rated fuse or circuit breaker.0:53 Poorly executed butt splices introduce resistance into the circuit, which generates heat and effectively lowers the wire's current-carrying capacity.2:19 Visual signs of this damage include yellowing or tarnishing of the cable jacket, which hides melted and charred copper strands underneath.1:18 When replacing damaged wiring, install a larger gauge wire to increase the safety margin.2:31 Jeff Cote recommends consistently choosing the larger option when selecting between wire sizes, such as opting for 14-gauge over 16-gauge, or 10-gauge over 12-gauge, to prevent future thermal failure.2:33
More from Pacific Yacht Systems
From Pacific Yacht Systems — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.