What is Marine Electrical Cable Used For?

[Greg Anixter]

Cables are often designed to fit the environments that they are utilized in. Whether this means fire-retardant coatings or the ability to withstand the elements, it’s important that cables used in specific and extreme circumstances are able to function properly. Marine Electrical Cable in particular is used in some of the most harsh environments on Earth.

Specifically, marine electrical cable is designed to be utilized in a variety of marine environments. Of course it is absolutely crucial that such cable meets high, rigorous standards of quality, due to the fact that it must function in and around water and other hazards.

The key aspect of marine electrical cable that separates it from other kinds of cable and wiring is its protective coating, typically made out of tin or a similar substance, that won’t easily corrode when exposed to moisture. This is of course of utmost importance, as the harsh marine environment can easily corrode and destroy common wiring like what you would find in an appliance.

Another important trait of marine electrical cable is its inherent flexibility. It typically has a very fine stranding, which allows for more give and movement in the cable itself. With all the movements and vibrations of a boat in motion, the wiring needs to be able to adapt to what’s happening. Thick, or stiff cables would pose potential issues and could interfere with the safety and functionality of certain kinds of marine vessels.

Moisture isn’t the only substance that marine cable is resistant to. Due to the varied nature of marine environments and all of the different elements at play, often at the same time, it also comes equipped with protections against oil and gasoline, as well as heat. This is to ensure that no matter what circumstances you might encounter, the cables will continue to function properly.

How to Purchase Marine Cable When You Need It
If you require cable for any kind of boat or marine project or problem, it’s important that you don’t settle for just any kind of cable you have lying around. This is not only impractical, as marine cable comes in different sizes per gauge compared to other cables, but it is also dangerous, as most cables simply don’t have the proper protective coating and defenses to be used in a marine environment.

For your marine-related project, you want cable that’s tough and is suitable for the harsh marine environments. Some people choose to use automotive cables as a quick fix in these instances, because they too have certain levels of protective coatings and resistances to heat and oil. However, this is simply not the way to go.

When you need marine electrical cable for your job, know you can get the high quality cable you need right over at a reputable outlet such as EWCS Wire, who specialize in marine cables and excel at customer service. They have all the tin-coated, ABYC approved cables you require at affordable prices, and will go out of their way to answer your questions and help you find the right cable you’re looking for so you don’t have to settle for less.