BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Can I use Solid wire for rewiring sailboat if not WHY?

On Sun, 30 May 2004 13:07:20 GMT, wrote:

On Sun, 30 May 2004 11:48:34 GMT, (Steven Shelikoff) wrote:

On Sat, 29 May 2004 22:34:52 GMT, wrote:

Sorry, Bub, but you are completely wrong. All the applicable codes say you
cannot solder those connections, and that's been the law for ages. As someone
has already pointed out, if you solder all the connections in your boat, it is
going to cost you big time at resale time, as it will all have to be ripped out
and redone properly at SOMEBODY'S expense. The boat will be uninsurable and no
bank will finance it either, with that hack wiring job.

Soldering connections on a boat is perfectly fine as long as the
connection is supported by a strain relief. In fact, a well done solder
joint+strain relief is considered by most to be far superior to a
crimped on connection. Solder without strain relief is a no-no.

Steve

Incorrect. A boat will not pass an insurance survey if the electrical system has
been soldered. That's all that really matters. No insurability = no resale, no
marinas or yacht clubs, no financing.

Incorrect. Many boats with soldered electrical connections have passed
insurance surveys and are in marinas all over as well as are financed.
If your surveyor fails your boat due to soldered connections, ask him
why he's going against ABYC electrical standards since the ABYC rules
allow for soldered connections as long as the solder is not the sole
means of mechanical support for the joint, which makes sense.

ABYC E-8.15.19 Solder shall not be the sole means of mechanical
connection in any circuit. If soldered, the connection shall be so
located or supported as to minimize flexing of the conductor where the
solder changes the flexible conductor into a solid conductor.

Exception: Battery lugs with a solder contact length of not less than
1.5 times the diameter of the conductor.

Steve