DON'T BURN DOWN YOUR BOAT! (Wire & Fuse Basics)

Today in our boat electrical series, we talk about how to choose the best wire for your boat, as well as current-limiting devices such as fuses and circuit breakers.
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PART 2: WIRE & FUSES
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IN THIS VIDEO:
[00:00] Video Start
[00:19] Intro
[01:14] What is Wire?
[01:25] Best Materials for Wiring
[02:37] Structure of the Wire
[03:53] Coatings on Modern Wires
[05:21] Wire Sizes / Gauges
[06:15] Best Practices for Sizing
[07:12] What Size Wire Should I Use?
[08:34] Why Size Matters (and FIRE RISK)
[11:00] An Experiment
[14:38] Current-Limiting Devices
[15:19] Fuses
[16:20] Circuit Breakers
[16:57] What's the Difference?
[17:20] The Myth About Fuses
[19:25] Summary
[19:36] Practical Application
[20:52] How to Prioritize Your Budget
[22:00] REVIEW / QUIZ
[24:32] Wrap-Up, Coming Up Next...
Have questions or comments? Leave them below! We do our best to read and answer all comments on our channel.
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[@arnieus866]

I came to KZbin looking for a basic education in boat electronics. Your videos are exactly what I hoped to find. You make it so understandable. Thanks.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Glad you found us. Hope you look around a bit and maybe subscribe. I'll have to do a few more videos in that playlist

[@paulpozboater]

Another great one Clark. Keep up the great work. I'm sharing this with my novice boater friends.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I appreciate that.

[@Jacoblejd]

The Emily and Clark how to episodes are my absolute favorites. They set you apart from all the other channels (I like your episodes with different themes to, I like your variation), but you guys really explain things so that it is easy to understand. Thanx for sharing your knowledge and putting in the effort to make these episodes. Knowledge and skills rule!!!

[@stephengreen2898]

I am rewiring an ‘86 Military CHEVY BLAZER Diesel 4 Wheel Drive Pre Hummer… This video is GOLD!

[@m.walden9413]

Clark is unbelievable. What a great teacher. 25:22

[@Apastolos]

This is a great tutorial on electrical in general not just boats specifically, much appreciated

[@EmilyAndClark]

Glad you like it. Pass it around please

[@PinkeeRach]

This is a really helpful intro to wiring and how to size. Thank you for sharing in such an approachable way!

[@normoleson2787]

I'm an 84 year old DIYer with lots of experience on electrical projects including many involving sail and power boats. Your videos are PRICELESS!! Those that are new to this have no idea what a gift you are providing. Where were you when I started by making molds from a sunfish in 1965 and fiberglassing the hull as my first boating project. Many sail and power boats electrical projectshave followed.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Norm, Please share our links

[@joshh8395]

Thank you so much for this series! I just recently acquired my first project boat and while I do general contracting work on land I don't know anything about boats. Your knowledge is going to save me a lot of headaches.

[@20snowpack]

Hey Clark having just bought my first sail boat I have been hard pressed to find a thorough video describing electrical circuits on boats. I am just two videos in already feeling my confidence soaring. Thanks for the videos! Keep up the good work!

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome Jack. Share with friends please. Might help them and I'd appreciate the views!

[@mikecloutier6669]

Sorry I'm two weeks late but I still had to comment and say thank you! Every episode helps me to become more knowledgeable and self reliant when it comes to my boat systems. This was a fantastic episode. I'm off to the next one :)

[@EmilyAndClark]

Glad you are finding them useful Mike. Please share the links around to your friends. This series isn't that popular yet. It's hard to convince myself to make them when it brings our view count down.

[@dfhepner]

When I worked at Boeing on the Minuteman program in the early 70's they didn't use fuses or circuit breaker between the power source and the drawer using the power. So when there was a problem with a small ceramic capacitor it would burn up the board in the drawer. It was easier to find the cause of the problem that way.

[@icarumba5]

Cheers! Glad this didn't make me feel stupid. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@mrtomedean]

Clark, thanks for continuing this series and making this easy for those of us who have sailboats, work on them but see electricity as magical voodoo! I am beginning to really understand - thanks to you!

[@shanehickman9204]

Great video! Looking forward to the next one as I'm designing my system for an upgrade to lithium. I have a pretty good idea with the research I've done, but I'm sure you'll bring up something I haven't thought of.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Shane, You might find the manual for my BankManagerPlus helpful in the near term. I think it's the best (really only) way to go Li. (but if course I'm biased) www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@scarol99]

Great work, Clark. Keep 'em coming!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Steve. Filmed another yesterday.

[@scottkrebs586]

Nice work filming smoking a wire! Overbuild is a mantra when it comes to, well, everything when weight isn't as big of a consideration as is safety. Marine applications outside of perhaps drag boats on a lake rate overbuild. Go off on all of that sir, thumbs up and waiting on the next installment. This is useful for everyone especially me so I don't have to teach them too (I can just point them to Emily & Clark, and I do)!

[@FatDaddyG]

Best video series on marine electricity that I’ve seen!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Curtis, How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@davidgrowse2041]

Another great video Clark - thank you!. FYI, Copper melts at 1085 Deg C, approx 50% higher temp than aluminium (660Deg C) ...and I am Aussie and that is how we spell (and pronounce) aluminium 🙂...I'll let the North Americans convert to Deg F.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yeah both pretty high I guess.

[@tjitjo]

This is so great I cannot state how good this is thank you Clark so much

[@blackduck7851]

Good on you for putting in the effort to make these useful and much appreciated videos.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Duck. Please share the playlist link.

[@EmilyAndClark]

BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@johnnylightning1491]

Another good video Clark. I didn't learn a lot but that's because I knew most of it before, but I did learn some things. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@trevorcronin9249]

Great teaching.. However we also use current limiters to indicate a problem with a device, not just to protect the wiring to it.

[@raireva4689]

Very clear and informative!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@torstenhansen4308]

Thank you for the short circuit demo, Clark. I can’t think of a better way to bring home your message. PLEASE do a video on your portable battery pack, I want to build one.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sure Torsten. But it might be a while with the inland trip and all.

[@allmomomosthomebus3895]

Clark, I think you would have made an excellent high school physics teacher!

[@cf1237]

Thank you for a great video! We would love to see a video on making a battery pack from your unique perspective.

[@arnehayn4354]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. It seems helpful in view that I plan to rewire my boat in the near future.. Be blessed.

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome. How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@arnehayn4354]

@@EmilyAndClark I am doing that already 😀

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thank you. Really appreciate that.

[@helomech1973]

Love the series. I am a helicopter mechanic by trade, and a review is still very nice.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Pass them on to those who need. BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@Erndog67]

Everything you need to know about electronics but were afraid to ask. Can't wait for more.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Ernie, If you have friends who might like this how about sharing the playlist link? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@gulubdur]

Fuses protecting wire is one of the most important lessons in this video.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep. Thanks David

[@paulvangaalen714]

Thanks Heaps for doing these videos. Helpful to me and my mates. Cheers from Australia

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome Paul. Glad you like it.

[@gefginn3699]

Great post Clark ! 💛🌞🌴⛵️

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thank you Gef. Here is a link to the playlists that will have the full set, assuming there is enough interest. Please share it. BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@stephengreen2898]

I became a least important level PATREON because of these type teaching vids…. Need to give MORE …. thanks so much

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thank you Stephen. For some reason your comment just showed up.

[@ricardobrathwaite5536]

Nicely done Sir ! The videos are simply explained, and I refer my marine electrical students to them to supplement their learning. Thanks !!!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@rosstrevor8303]

Nice one Clark it makes me think back to all those learning curves on my first boat build from crazy dream to splash. All those late nights in that old shed 2 doors down from the local pub , the rum fueled wisdom of the world from countless faces pocking through those broken windows after closing time every Friday nights. Yes every trade imaginable and then some in a small country town 160 miles from the coast .I just smiled and agreed with all as they past those bears through those broken windows every Friday night.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Ross. Have any friends on the steep side of the curve? How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@paulpozboater]

I would love to see a segment on solar and lifepo4 lithium if you get that far and are looking for things to make videos on. Enjoy your Land Cruise.

[@eduardorosiello4507]

Great set of videos. Thanks for sharing them! Regards from Argentina!

[@projecttrawler]

Very well executed video! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome. How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@projecttrawler]

@@EmilyAndClark yup I have a few friends I sent it too

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@neilorlich3009]

Just subscribed. Great info! We plan on getting a sailboat in a couple years and I’m trying to learn as much as possible by video and book before starting our sailing lessons early next year. Appreciate you putting these together and making them easy to understand for the novices out there! On a side note, not sure if it’s just my feed, but I found this video on your playlist, but not on your main homepage. I look forward to the next video!

[@EmilyAndClark]

It's not released yet. Tomorrow AM. I see you use the playlists. I highly recommend our capable cruiser playlist as a start for someone in your position. Welcome aboard

[@torstenhansen4308]

Good luck with your learning process, it is a fascinating journey. If it is not already on your shelf, your next purchase should be Nigel Calder’s ‘Boatowner’s Electrical and Mechanical Manual’.

[@neilorlich3009]

@@torstenhansen4308 Thanks for the info. I’ll definitely pick up a copy!

[@craignewcombe1178]

This is pure gold; sorry mean braided copper! But it still is 👍, thanks mate!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks. Please consider sharing it with your friends. If the series doesn't get enough views I might not finish it. BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@24hourtravellers]

Thank you 💯

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome. How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@789train]

i vote for the battery video ! i have the headways and pelican case ready lol

[@EmilyAndClark]

I have an idea for another circuit: A way to plug the portable battery into the main li bank safely such that it charges under control but then can be used as an extension to the main li bank until removed for portable use.

[@erichenriksen3482]

Exactly what I need, and such beautiful presentation...thank you!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thank you Eric. Pass the link to your friends please.

[@francleo2002]

You are magnificent in doing these online courses! Thank you very much for your valuable and super-structured classes!!

[@Gwydify]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Hopefully it will help me resolve my own electrical issues

[@EmilyAndClark]

Hope so

[@MiQBohlin]

Very pedagogic!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@seekerstan]

Battery box; I built a similar setup before I saw yours,also primarily for my electric dingy motor, but also multi-purpose. It has + & - large connectors on the outside for the dingy. Iinside, there is a 110V ac battery charger, an inverter, some USB connectors, and a 12 v plug. Since my current mooring is a kilometer from the dingy dock, being able to charge it on shore or in my car is helpfull especially if I need to make multiple runs in one day. There is a Selector Switch to choose the mode or off. To save time and Hassel, I used an off the shelf 54ah battery.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Useful, aren't they

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Another great tutorial

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@nutsandbolts432]

Great video. Probably the most misunderstood thing concerning fuses. I don’t know how far your planning on going in this topic, this rabbit hole could easily consume 60+ videos. But, I got my bag of popcorn ready and will hold my questions until the specific topic is covered. Until then, I’ll feed the algorithm monster.

[@EmilyAndClark]

It's all down to viewer count. I'd they are watched I'll produce. You can help by passing this around kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@doneddy2204]

Very helpful to a newb like me. I have a new to me used boat from the early 90s which I know nothing about. With guidance like this I’m hoping to learn how it works and where improvements are needed. It’s a 24 ‘ seaward trailer sailer with small refrigerator, 4 batteries and oversized alternator

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Don, Welcome to the life.

[@MrChrisHobday]

Double lot??? Is that 50mm? For us British. This is just great to dispel the mystery of electrics. There are a few people I do trust for these kind of things & you are truly one of them. I know it’s well thought out & explained with a great amount of knowledge behind it & given to us all. Thank you P.S I have to get one of your battery managers, just brilliant & you get the best of both worlds, safely.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Chris

[@newron6564]

Most basic and useful series. I am on my third "old boat" and the wiring on all three has been the biggest challenge. Thanks so much Clark for clarifying basic principles, identifying proper componets and tools as well as real life examples. Wiring and plumbing ...a lot of similarities. :O)

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're very welcome

[@FRANKMARTINS80]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE INFORMATION!

[@eraseground]

thank you for making this! i appreciate it and i'm learning

[@RobertVinet]

Very useful information. Accurate as well. Well done. 👍 I'm happy to recommend your videos to others.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Robert

[@TOURlST]

I Just discovered this series, Wow! Thank you !!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Glad to hear you are enjoying it. I'll have to add more soon

[@RaulMartinez-ln8zq]

Great GREAT video! Can’t wait to watch the whole serie

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Raul. I can't wait to finish h the series. I really need to be back on Temptress to do more properly but there is one coming up that is better done on land.

[@markc3717]

Much needed guidance - thank you

[@josephenglish8663]

Wonderful. So many folks don't get the basics. You make them clear and understandable. Thank you. I'm sure there's a boat somewhere that won't burn to the waterline because of these vids.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Joseph

[@svhappymondays]

Nice one Clark 👌

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@braithmiller]

Excellent, #2 :26 minutes x how many people I am not going to have to repeat this myself to. Thanks for doing the series. Very glad indeed to have a concise series to direct educating people. A few names I respect their works and writings I see pulling a ~$200 subscription to knowledge that has been caused by the obfuscation on ACBY clairity and purpose. Thanks again for making the information available to all. Sure it will gain in traction over time as multiple mention is made in forum's and the like. Likely you will save lives, boats and definitely enable some boaters. I just got through reverse engineering/deciphering a Beta marine harness to universal equipment, not fun nor easy, 3 different schematics, physical verification not to mention 1mm and 2.5mm choices to make equivalent extension runs. This mess could have been on one sheet and was when I was done. No wonder most people are lost on electrical on boats. Last night friend rows in against the wind as the trifecta of problems was finished with proprietary outboard remote keyswitch failure, 14 tiny wires. Manufacturers hate 14GA minimums.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Braith. As you pass this around please use the playlists link unless of course you are referring to a specific issue. BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@braithmiller]

@@EmilyAndClark I will. Thanks. Before Calder, Casey ect. Earning your place seriously.

[@skipbaker529]

Great series. 👍

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Skip. How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@johndate1776]

On mobile battery - would love to see a vid on that, Clark. 👍👍

[@EmilyAndClark]

We have had a few votes that way.

[@ItreboR63I]

Thanks again Clarke and Emily

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're very welcome Bob

[@floridasailor3732]

Very clear and very thorough. This is the kind of video that is great for future reference. May not need it today, but when the time comes when you need it, you NEED it.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks. How about sharing the playlist link with friends? They might also need it someday. BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@benkanobe7500]

Excellent!

[@dave98781]

Great video! Thank you for creating this series. Super helpful.

[@kejung1]

Great video! Thanks 🙏

[@wulkie]

Thanks for it!!

[@adamhoulahan3572]

More great stuff, thank you

[@srevach2]

Awesome!

[@warchitecture5409]

Great Video!!!

[@davidmorris8088]

Thank you Mr. Clark for all the great videos. I just purchased a 43 footer I couldn't pass up. I'm 2 years early!! I'm trying to learn as much as fast as I can process. Learning a lot on your channel. I will definitely be sharing videos. Have to meet more sailing people first. Thank you again.

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome David. You're about to enter an amazing chapter of your life.

[@edanoestreich8976]

Terrific Clark. Thanks for the great video. I really appreciate this series. Keep them coming.

[@neilleonard1764]

Excellent summary, thanks!

[@dwolle78209]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you!

[@keithcunningham884]

Very well done, Thank You

[@stevenjones1359]

Cheerz mate,very informative ".

[@Zbee167]

This is great! Thanks for sharing.

[@paliswood]

Again great work Emily and Clark! very well presented. Excellent follow up from the previous vid.

[@Aviatorgreen]

Super excited for this series! Thank you Clark!

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome. How about sharing the playlist link with friends? BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@Robert-pi6vs]

Thankyou fully.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Your welcome

[@sparkyjenkins4164]

Thanks for this video

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're very welcome

[@SVBLUEBELL]

Wow great information soooo useful and understandable

[@jefffoley7876]

Love it buddy.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Jeff

[@johndixon5097]

Another great video Clark. 👍👍👍

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks John

[@NicolineKorsvold]

Thank you! Will follow this series :D

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome Nicoline

[@johnrobson9606]

This is a great series. Really good. Keep going please!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks John Please pass the playlists around BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@RBZ3]

Thanks…well done.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@therokenman2594]

Great video, as always!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Thero

[@amorcito]

Great series!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Ramon

[@1biddlecomb]

Love this series!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@brianhowes6448]

Great video

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Brian

[@storyfirstfilms149]

fantastic - the best explanations

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@joshualewis9]

Thank you.

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're very welcome

[@Jonas-qf1cu]

very nice video series!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thank you Jonas

[@craigcastellana5967]

Yes yes yes! Another great tutorial Clark. Thanks a million for keeping us smarter and Safer! Great demonstration with the Lithium Ion Phosphate Portable battery that was priceless. We are looking forward to the next video and I hope you’ll weave in trouble shooting with an Ohm meter somewhere in the future. Thanks again for informative and Very Relevant Information. Cheers Mate. Fair Winds.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yes I'm building up to that. BOAT ELECTRICAL: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5ogT6or244F49-Gy7pYFV7V

[@MikeHastings115]

Well done! very interesting and useful 🙂

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Michael

[@markandrews7701]

GREAT video Clark! I'm pretty knowledgeable of the physics of electricity. I'm REALLY looking forward to the information about how to apply the theory I know to applying it to a boat which I don't know. Those are going to be really super duper amazingly interesting.