small electrical problem ;) [Solved] By Random Hero (Read 988 times)

[Alleyoop]

That is what I believe you have "corrosion" since you live right by the sea the salt water does a number on wires and connections. But it turns over so that is good, it may be just the switchs are corroded and or the wires by the switchs.
Alleyoop

[Bashan]

It wouldn't hurt anything but it would be a little overkill. A pretty smart guy on this forum, it was either Cruiser or Sprocket, I can't remember which, redid their whole sustem with 18 and it worked fine. 12 is just such a bitch to work with sometimes. I'm going to use 16 when I wire my project Bashan. I wondered if there might be a marine grade wire that would hold up better with all of that salt. I'm sure they make that kind of thing for boats around there. Rich

[mflorek]

I buy marine grade stuff form these guys in Pompano Beach.
www.sherco-auto.com/electacc.htm
They carry electrical parts that are “tinned” meaning the copper is less likely to break-down because it is plated which also makes it easy to solder. The wire you are holding in your first picture looks to be completely oxidized, possibly by battery acid. It’s conductivity is zero in that state.
MIKE

[mflorek]

I read your reference 3 times and didn't find anything about corosion resistance. I did find this in Scientific American Despite its undeservedly high position in the consumer goods market, oxygen free copper does have some applications in very high-tech science equipment, notably, in the construction of magnetometers, superconductors and particle accelerators.
MARINE GRADE - the way to go.

[mflorek]

Every time I look at that beautiful view in the background, I say to myself Puerto Rico –WOW! Being that close to the ocean has its price and the salt in the air eats away at everything, including those wiring harnesses. You know what to do – now get busy.