wire temperature ratings

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Sun Apr 25, 2010 7:20 am

I was looking through the abyc standards for wiring and I saw that it says that 60c wiring temperature is not acceptable in engine rooms. All the 2/0 wires in my boat have written on them 2/0 SAE. I was wondering if these are correct? Thanks.

FidelityJim · Post by **FidelityJim** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:57 am

Justin: I'm on the SAE Marine Tech. committee and a member of ABYC, but NOT an EE! Is there a "J" number after the SAE? J-378 deals with low voltage (under 50v) and equates temp. rating to amps carried. 60c rated insulation with a conductor size of 0 is good to carry 113 amps inside engine spaces. (if I read the table correctly) ABYC E-11 says NOT PERMITTED. The SAE J-378 standard covers temp ratings up to 125c dependent upon the type of insulation...I've got to think that there's more information somewhere on the wire. I have most of the SAE Marine standards and the ABYC standards, with a little more information perhaps I can help. Jim Hart '88 FBC

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:10 am

All I could find on the dang thing after pulling it out in frustration, was 2/0 SAE written about every 2 feet. But its all good, I'm going to replace it all after seeing IRGuy's writeup in the tips section. After I pulled this one out, it revealed another 2/0 wire that was labled 'Welding Cable'. I'm not pleased with this.I also noticed in the ABYC standards that the DC amperage table only goes up to three wires bundled together. Perhaps above three, the amperage is the same? Anyway, thanks for your input. I'm in college for my EE/CMPE degree