New installation

[GWB]

I have what is probably a dumb question about a new electrical installation in a sailboat.
There will be 2 batteries (house and starting) an alternator, a 1 or 2 or both battery selector switch and a battery charger.

What would be used for wire size and do I need to put diodes in the wiring?

Thanks for any help

[KnottyBuoyz]

Wire size will be dependant upon the load carried by the conductor and the length of the circuit. You will not need diodes in the wiring. If you want to charge both batteries from a single source (alternator) I'd suggest the Blue Sea "Add a Battery" set which consists of a switch and battery combiner.

http://bluesea.com/products/7650

This makes it simple and goof proof.

To determine the size of the wire you'll need you can use either a "wire sizing" chart (published on the Internet in multiple places) or this "Wire Sizer" program from Aldun Trull

http://bluesea.com/products/7650

Just remember the length of the run includes both sides of the circuit from battery to load and ground back to battery. There's also the BoatDesigns Wiki with loads of info.

http://www.boatdesign.net/wiki/Electrical_systems

Good luck.

[GWB]

Thanks for that KB.
Do you perhaps have a wiring diagram that I could reference?

[KnottyBuoyz]

Originally Posted by GWB

Thanks for that KB.
Do you perhaps have a wiring diagram that I could reference?

If you look on the "product documents" tab on the Blue Sea site you should find everything you need.