Marine grade wire?

[slowdoo72]

I'm doing some rewiring on my 216v and wondered if anyone knows if it is really that critical to use marine grade primary wire in a boat. I the wire that I'm running does not need to be routed in the engine compartment or in the bilge. Basiscally for some tower speaker leds and cup holder leds. Can standard automotive wire, say from Napa work just as well and as safe.
Thanks!

[ffmedic74]

Marine grade wire is tinned to ensure that it does not corrode. However you will notice that much of the stereo factory wiring is not marine grade wire!

[slowdoo72]

wire

I know the cheap 16guage factory speaker wire ran to the speakers is marine grade. It is labeled as so on the insulation. And I believe the neg. pos. and ignition wire to the head unit is marine grade, but I may be wrong. I know none of the factory wire is tinned even though it says marine rated on the insulation. I know what tinned copper and non tinned look like. I replaced all the speaker wire with a larger guage tinned wire already. Though the insulation is not marine rated. I installed all the new wire in a split corragated wire loom to protect it from potential uv degradation and rubbing from vibration. I'm not going to rewire the entire electrical system just adding some led lights to a seperate switch. So going to the local auto parts store for some 16guage or 14 guage is ok from a safety aspect?

[DanielC]

What has been said about marine wire having tinned copper strands is true. Marine wire also generally has smaller, but more strands of the wire needed to make a "gauge" of wire, so it is more flexible, and had a less of a tenancy to break after being moved a lot, or exposed to vibration. The insulation is also different.

I would think that for a minor rewire job, to something not critical to the actual operation of the boat, automotive wire would be OK. Put it in a split loom, and support it well, especially near the ends, and live with the idea you might have to repair it, in maybe 10 or 20 years.

[maxxwell]

If you choose to use automotive primary wire, tin the ends and heat shrink with a dap of silicone grease inside the heat shrink.

As Daniel stated, use for minor electronics

[Mikeski]

www.genuinedealz.com

Good tinned USCG labeled wire, nice fine stranded stuff.

Nice common jacketed red/black up to #6 too.