Can I Connect Different Sized Wires?

Nico asks, "Hi Jeff, my water pump and bilge pump have 16awg sized wire and my switch panel has 12 awg wire. Can I connect the different sized wires together or will I have a problem? I just bought this boat two months ago, it is fifty years old and I am doing a complete rewire. Your YouTube channel has helped me so much, thank you!"

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[leeholdawy]

Hi Jeff, this is my first boat and ive got to day this little snip bits and so useful . I live the " strive for perfection and don't compromise in just getting things done.. Thanks a bunch..

[DestryGustin]

Thanks for taking the time to educate us with these videos

[cristianocortonesi]

I love your videos!!! Just one suggestion, it would be even more effective if you show the components your speak about and their installations. Please continue to tell us more!

[georgebetar]

Lovin all these great questions, ty Jeff.

[josidasilva]

The overcurrent protection device must be rated for the lowest rating of the interconnected wires.

[Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

So an I correct to assume the screws on the terminal block are of a size small enough to accommodate a M5 blue ring terminal, and what about a M4 red ring terminal?

[dbayboyds]

How do you protect a terminal strip from water or arcing in a smaller boat? Loving this series!

[djaztec]

First question: Is there a range in size that I can connect 2 different wires on a terminal strip (ex. connecting #20 AWG on one end of terminal strip and connecting #14 on other end?
Second question: If my terminal strip is design for inserting wires and not ring connectors, can I connect two different sizes on a terminal strip without a ring connector?

[montaguemonro]

Hi Jeff, I've been looking for terminal strips and all I can see are plastic screw down terminal strips, I picture in my head something more like a bus bar, could you possibly elaborate or link me to what I should be looking for? Loving the series!

[michaelmalone]

I need to move a ceiling light about 12 inches and all I have is 14/2 wire and I am not sure what gauge currently powers the light - is this a safe connection for only 12 inches

[philippebaudet]

Thanks for your generosity Jeff, very valuable expertise and advises always. One question if I may, what does the regulation says about the usage of AC cables (EU 3wires, blue, braun and yellow/green) to carry DC on a boat ? Somme shipyard seems to do this but It seems to me potentially very confusing for later maintenance. What says the legislation and should I accept this on a new boat ?

[MMASulu]

A little constructive criticism: Watching your videos, I notice you make an assumption your audience has some base level knowledge. I find that I end up having to figure out most this out through forums. An example of this is saying not to connect wires that are too dissimilar because it can cause grief. But you don't explain what exactly would happen. Still not a bad video, but likely would not recommend to rookie seamen

[losmoore]

I have a 2011 silverado LT 1500 low beam headlight 16 awg wire harness. Im replacing the burnt connector with a pigtail wire that is 18 awg wire. Is it acceptable? Any problems i might have ?

[learnthrivecompassion]

So 30 awg to 26 awg in same circuit ok?

[joeselzer]

well i not have a boat or any thing like that i just want to know how i can connect a 8 Gage wire on to a 16 Gage because i need to connect a Female Power Jack Connector it will only fite 12 or 16 Gage but not a 8 Gage so i have to add a short 16 Gage maybe only a inch long or shorter to add the Female Power Jack Connector at the other and i need to ass 16 Gage to 8 Gage from the produt to the 8 Gage wire

[AdamC]

When do we need to use a fuse between a large wire source and a smaller wire load?

[jamesrahn]

How do you feel about solder connectors in general?

[juniorcortes]

So I just bought a boat and the trolling motor connection is a Four gauge but the plug that I’m putting on Is it 10 gauge will that be a problem

[jameseby-nyeu]

So why Did garmin make there power supply leads 22 gauge ...Down to garmin !!!

[otsouycoco]

where is your demonstration? what is th epoint of going video when you will not demonstrate it to us?