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Author	Topic:   tips on wiring identification?
Eric	posted 03-10-2002 11:24 PM ET (US)         I rigged my 16 from a bare hull. Since it's a fishing boat, I've got a VHF, GPS and fishfinder, also lighted compass, baitwell, bilge pump, running lights, etc. Now I'm adding a voltmeter, and soon a second battery. I don't want the wiring under the console to turn into an undecipherable mess, so I need to be able to identify which wire's which. Any tips?
phatwhaler	posted 03-10-2002 11:56 PM ET (US)             1. Continue using the correct color and gauge wire as per the ABYC. (American Boat and Yacht Council. 2. Electricians use a small label maker that can be used to label each wire. I may have seen this tool at Home Depot in the electrical section. Otherwise it's in the Grainger catalog, McMacter-Carr catalog also. 3. There is a good book you may want to take a look at, "Your Boats Electrical System -Conrad Miller" or one of the many others available at West, or Boater's World. 4. Go check out the wiring on a high end boat, Intrepid and Contender do a nice job. This will help you viisualize what your end result should look like. 5. Make sure you use marine grade materials, not some junky wire from the auto parts store. phatwhaler out.
daverdla	posted 03-11-2002 09:39 AM ET (US)             The following has has a link to a wire manufacturer's website and to a previous discussion on wiring. Hope it helps Dave http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001552.html
triblet	posted 03-11-2002 11:02 AM ET (US)             phatwhaler, that sounds like a great new toy, but I can't find it in the Granger or McMaster websites. I found lots of preprinted wire labels, and lots of write-on, but no label maker. Could you post a Grainger or McMaster part number? Chuck
daverdla	posted 03-11-2002 12:04 PM ET (US)             I'm not sure what phatw is referring to but check out Panduit. They have a large selection of labels and labelling equipment. Dave www.panduit.com
Eric	posted 03-13-2002 09:29 PM ET (US)             Thanks to all for the replies. I ran into a local rigger that told me he gets an assortment of colored cable ties from a friend that works for the phone company.
triblet	posted 03-20-2002 12:52 PM ET (US)             3M has a system for writing on a label with a pen, and one for typing. See http://international.3m.com/intl/CA/english/centres/mfg_industrial/elpd/media/wire_mark.pdf and go to page 122 and 123. Also, I found I could wrap the 1/2" wide tape from my Brother label maker around a wire, and can then probably put clear heat shrink over it. Chuck

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