Power cable extension
If you need to extend the length of the power cable supplied with your product, ensure you observe
the following advice:
• The power cable for each unit in your system should be run as a separate, single length of 2-wire
cable from the unit to the vessel's battery or distribution panel.
• Ensure that the extension cable is of a sufficient gauge for the supply voltage and the total load
of the device and the length of the cable run. Refer to the following table for typical
minimum
power cable wire gauges.
Cable length in meters (feet)
Wire gauge in AWG (mm
2
) for
12 V supply
Wire gauge in AWG (mm
2
) for
24 V supply
<8 (<25)
16 (1.31 mm
2
)
18 (0.82 mm
2
)
16 (50)
14 (2.08 mm
2
)
18 (0.82 mm
2
)
24 (75)
12 (3.31 mm
2
)
16 (1.31 mm
2
)
>32 (>100)
10 (5.26 mm
2
)
16 (1.31 mm
2
)
Important:
Be aware that some products in your system (such as sonar modules) can create voltage peaks at
certain times, which may impact the voltage available to other products during the peaks.
Important:
To ensure power cables (including any extension) are of a sufficient gauge, ensure
that there is a continuous
minimum
voltage of
10.8 V dc
at the end of the cable where it enters
the product’s power connector, even with a fully flat battery at 11 V dc. (Do not assume that a flat
battery is at 0 V dc. Due to the discharge profile and internal chemistry of batteries, the current
drops much faster than the voltage. A “fully flat” battery still shows a positive voltage, even if it
doesn’t have enough current to power your device.)
Grounding
Ensure that you observe any additional grounding advice provided in the product’s documentation.
More information
It is recommended that best practice is observed in all vessel electrical installations, as detailed
in the following standards:
• BMEA Code of Practice for Electrical and Electronic Installations in Boats
• NMEA 0400 Installation Standard
• ABYC E-11 AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats
• ABYC A-31 Battery chargers and Inverters
• ABYC TE-4 Lightning Protection
Warning: Product grounding
Before applying power to this product, ensure it has been correctly grounded, in
accordance with the instructions provided.
Warning: Positive ground systems
Do not connect this unit to a system which has positive grounding.
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