Interior wiring cable spec

[uniB]

Hi all,

I've been away from the forum for a good few months and my poor camper van has been laid up waiting for me to get on with fitting out the new interior. The time has come for me to get on with things.

So, my next step is to get on with sorting out the new wiring from the Zig unit. I've been researching what I need cable wise and, as is always the case, it's all got a bit confusing.

I've heard talk of tinned wire being best from marine suppliers – anyone bothered to use this or is that over the top? And as for cable thickness – what thickness cable do I need for 10w lights wired in series (maybe 6 lights)? 2.5mm? and what about 12v socket cable – 4mm?

I understand auto wiring suppliers describe their cable incorrecly, stating the overall thickness including the insulation, so I know to watch for that!

I was looking at either tinned wire from http://www.force4.co.uk/7758/Force-4-Ti ... er-m-.html Pretty expensive! or standard stuff from here http://www.marcleleisure.co.uk/store/ca ... l?cPath=41

Any advice would be great. Looking forward to getting Mr O back on the road, he hasn't been started since July so I wonder what chance there is of him starting up without a fight!?

[Red Westie]

6 lights at 10W each is only 5amps all on....given that you always choose cable with a good safety margin (so it doesn't get hot and voltage drop is minimal over several metre lengths) I would be using 2mm cable rated at 17.5 amps.

As for the 12volt socket...you will probably find the socket itself has a maximum rating (20/25 amps maybe?) whatever it is just give the supply wire a good safety margin say 4.5mm 35amps should be more than enough but as I say, depends on socket rating.
Remember to use a seperate fuse holder close to the battery for both. (10amp fuse for the lights and 25 amp for the socket) fuses always rated lower than the wiring/sockets used).

Martin

[uniB]

Thanks Martin, good to kow I'm roughly on the right track!

[Oldiebut goodie]

I wouldn't bother with tinned cable - it is meant for the marine environment - if you look at electrics on a sea going boat that has used ordinary cable you will see why. It is used because there is no hard shoulder or layby to pull into if it goes belly up due to corrosion.

[uniB]

Thanks Oldiebut goodie, I'll stick with standard cable and save my money for the hundred and one other things I need to buy.

Dav