In the last 13 years since we got back into sailing, we have had three boats. On all of them I made upgrades and improvements ("there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messin’ about in boats"), including 120 VAC shore power and 12 VDC systems. In all of the electrical projects, I heeded the advice I read and coughed up the cash to use ABYC/USCG-approved, tinned copper stranded wire suitable for marine use.
We now have a new-to-us ’07 Hunter 27-3. She came to us with a much higher level of features and conveniences, but I’ve already completed a slew of projects to customize her to our needs, whims, and requirements, including electrical upgrades and additions. In the course of exploring all the nooks and crannies, I’ve discovered it seems to me that all the 120 VAC systems use regular old solid copper 12/2+G Romex NM cable. The kind of cabling I have in my house.
Does this sound right? Obviously, it’s less expensive for the builder to opt for this wiring, but it wouldn’t be ABYC/USCG-approved, would it? Can manufactures “get away” with using this “inferior” wiring? Should I infer that I will need to replace it all at some point?
Crazy Dave, your input here would be much appreciated.
We now have a new-to-us ’07 Hunter 27-3. She came to us with a much higher level of features and conveniences, but I’ve already completed a slew of projects to customize her to our needs, whims, and requirements, including electrical upgrades and additions. In the course of exploring all the nooks and crannies, I’ve discovered it seems to me that all the 120 VAC systems use regular old solid copper 12/2+G Romex NM cable. The kind of cabling I have in my house.
Does this sound right? Obviously, it’s less expensive for the builder to opt for this wiring, but it wouldn’t be ABYC/USCG-approved, would it? Can manufactures “get away” with using this “inferior” wiring? Should I infer that I will need to replace it all at some point?
Crazy Dave, your input here would be much appreciated.
