Best method to join 8 guage to 12/14 guage???

[gerg]

I know this was covered for much smaller guaqes (24 to 14), but I wasn't able to find a similar topic for this combination.

I'm installing a windlass, and they want an 8 guage run from the switch to the motor. Of course both the switch and the motor are 12/14 guage wires.

The instructions say to join them by crimping ring terminals onto the respective wires, and then joining the ring terms together with a nut and bolt, then cover it all with shrink tubing. And yes, I would follow k-mans/Thoms protocol for connecting and sealing the terminals.

I don't know, but it seems like a free floating bus bar to me and asking for trouble. But there it is in black and white.

Is there a better way short of a mounted bus? I have nothing against a bus, as long as I can find a way to cover/insulate it since it will not be entirely enclosed.

Any thoughts? Follow the directions and secure it with c clamps? Use a seperate fixed bar to connect and enclose it? Something else?

Tanks

** yeahah **

[jtburf]

if you ring terminal them both and nut and bolt then apply 5 layers of heat shrink ... your protected just be sure the connection is secure so they are not banging around ...Good Luck ...john


Triton 2200CC, Honda BF200,

[PeteH]

I would slide the 14 into the 8, solder and shrinkwrap. You're gonna have a hard connection anyway with the ring terminals, at least this way it's a fairly smooth affair...

[Mist-Rest]

I'm with PeteH sight unseen. I've used this method with grounds on trailers and on fiberglass cars.

[Kman]

If the area is dry you could use ring terminals and a power post.

http://www.bluesea.com/catalog_.pdf/...tors/pg_58.pdf.

If wet, solder as described. Double shrink tube, then restrain the crap out of both ends so the joint will not flex at all.

Good luck.

Kman

[auguste]

Related Question

My neighbour uses copper crimps . . . he slides both wires one over each other and he crimps them . . . he uses the super shrink wrap that they use for submersible water pumps . . . What do you think of his approach ?



. . . just thinking out loud . . . yes, I'm "Miss-Be-Haven"

[lobsta1]

I believe that Ancor makes a combo butt splice of 8 > 12 gauge.

Al

Nites Off

1978 Bertram 33

[rainmaker]

I'm confused how can you need a 12 or 14 gauge wire to the swictch and then an 8 gauge wire to the motor? Does the power not go thru the switch then top the motor? I guess i just dont understand why a 12 or 14 ga. wire is enough TO the swicth and then 8 ga. OUT.
If you had an 8 ga. TO the switch it would make sense ..... anyhoo explanation anyone

" GET THE GRADY " "Theres two things SALTWATER won't SCREW UP . 1. SALTWATER 2. FISH.

[Slammer3]

The reason you need the heavy wire is due to the amperage of the motor,don't cheap out and run smaller wire,you will burn up the motor.Also be sure to use marine grade wire,the regular household wire will be shot in less than a year,salt eats it up quickly.I also agree that you should use the shinkk wrap on the terminals.

Fish or cut bait!!!
Mike Brennan-R.F.A. N.J.
Slammer3
Popeyes Marina
Matts Landing,N.J.