BoatHowTo · video

What this video covers

Jan Attenstedt and Nigel Calder discuss whether a 1985 Taiwanese trawler requires a full electrical rewire if the existing non-tinned copper wiring shows no signs of overheating during thermal camera inspections. Calder advises against a complete rewire if current loads do not produce hotspots, noting that neither ABYC nor ISO standards mandate tinned wiring for general circuits. He emphasises that the primary concern for older vessels is ensuring that fuses and circuit breakers are correctly rated to protect the specific ampacity of the installed conductors. Calder warns that owners should inspect busbars, as Taiwanese-built boats often utilise brass or bronze components with significantly lower conductivity than copper. If an owner upgrades to high-output alternators, such as a 360-amp model, increased loads may cause these older busbars to overheat. Regular thermal imaging remains the most effective method for identifying failing connections or undersized components before they cause a fire.

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