18 or 22 gauge for FF & fuse question

I wasn't able to find anything in my manual..either it isn't stated or I simply can't find it.  Trying to extend the power line for the Elite 5, its a bit on the short side.

When I searched the net, I got mixed info, some said 18, some said 22 gauge.  If anyone here can chime in, it'd be helpful.  Thanks!

I'd well imagine that the extension you will be adding is quite short (1-2 feet long)?  If this is the case, 18 would be acceptable.  I'd suggent to not go 22.  I typically use 18 or 16 depending on the length of extension.

~Bill

 

  Minimum 18ga, 16ga.  optimally.  16ga will definitely carry any current requirements your FF will need.

If I remember correctly, the Elite 5 current draw is about 700mA (3/4 of an Amp) so you should have no problem with 18 if installed correctly.  Remember Dielectric grease & heat shrink!!!!  If in doubt, always go up one wire size.  Fully tinned marine wire is KEY!

16 gauge is good for about 8amps (10x what the FF draws) @ 10' (round trip run; 5' long total wire length) with only 3% voltage drop.

~Bill

My local Home Depot didn't have any 18gauge wire they sold by the foot.  Only had 25ft rolls, so I just went with some 16 gauge wire.   Thanks for the help guys.

 
   kragens (O'Rileys now)auto, Winchester auto, Napa auto, Autozone, will all carry small rolls of wire also.

For power transmission of 0.75A, a 20 AWG wire (max current = 1.5A) should be more than enough to handle the current required.  Below is the current rating chart for future references:

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

My suggestion is Marine Grade because it is fully tinned, not just bare copper.  This will help prevent the wire from corrosion you can't see keeps the fishfinder/gps happy.  West Marine sells it by the foot. 

Thanks Bill.  I'll go check out West Marine for some of that wire.

Just one last question before I start my install.  I purchased one of these inline fuse from Hook1.  Is there a reason they come looped like this?  I am guessing I just cut it and attach to the positive line?  Is there a "correct" direction for these fuses or it doesn't matter?

Just cut in the middle.  No direction for the fuse.

~Bill

Thanks again Bill.  Time to get this installed finally!