Rewiring the mast

[sagablu]

Hello CF,

Looks like I should rewire my mast while it's down. So for the anchor light and the spreaders, what should I use? Two runs of jacketed duplex or one jacketed 4 wire? What gauge is proper? OF course I will use the correct tinned marine wire.

A new project to me so any direction or advise would be appreciated.

Electric I understand mostly, boats not so much. Kinda new to this whole floating along slowly thing.

[Lake-Effect]

What kind of lights on masthead and spreaders? (LED, halogen, etc... and current ratings)

[sagablu]

Originally Posted by Lake-Effect

What kind of lights on masthead and spreaders? (LED, halogen, etc... and current ratings)

I realized I left out that critical information. I will change over all to LED's. I have not yet picked out the fixtures yet but I assume none will exceed 10W, so to be safe I can assume no more than 3A total for all three lights.

[kmacdonald]

I would use 16/3 up to the spreaders and 16/2 from the spreader to the anchor light. The same ground is used for both. You will not need to size for anywhere near 3A if using LED's.

[kmacdonald]

You will need 16/4 up to the spreader if you have steaming light and deck light on or near the spreader.

[swansailor]

I'd agree with kmcdonald on the wire gauges. If your masthead light is a tricolor LED you'll need three conductors to the top.

[sagablu]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the info.