engsol wrote:

On Wed, 26 May 2004 18:21:36 -0700, "Ytter" wrote:

I've heard different opinions what kind of wire is better for wiring
boats.Could you give me some of your expertise?
Thank You,
Ytter

I'd use stranded. The only application of solid wire I recall was in
telephone central offices, and telephone jack wiring in houses.
As others pointed out, it doesn't take much flexing to work-harden
solid wire and crack. But even stranded needs strain-reliefs
and clamps.
Norm B

Solid wire like Romex is used where you can attach it to some fixed
surface - like a building especially inside of walls. In that
application (i.e. stapled or attached to the building) stranded wire
will not work because the strands will work against the attachment and
eventually the strands will break and cause a short. Stranded wire
isn't allowed inside of walls IIRC, nor can you tie or restrict the
movement of a stranded wire.

Tinned wire is just something to keep the exposed ends from corroding.
We've used welding cable to wire up batteries in an electric car and
it works fine. It may not have as long a life as tinned wire but it
depends on how long you want it to last and whether the cost is worth
it to you. I understand that Home Depot in Tampa carries tinned wire,
but I've never seen it anywhere else.

The main thing is to use a large enough gauge wire for your
application.



grandma Rosalie