Big bonding wire

Discussion in 'Electrical Systems' started by Scott Carter, Aug 3, 2010.

  1. Scott Carter
    Joined: Oct 2006
    Posts: 130
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    Location: Annapolis

    Scott Carter Senior Member

    Can anyone provide possible reasons for the use of a relatively large (#6) bonding wire for the fuel tank on a 45' power cruiser? It's an Italian boat (not sure if that's relevant).
    The entire boat is bonded properly, using copper strapping in the engine room with green #10 jumpers tieing in the through hulls, seacocks, outdrives etc. But at one point, a big #6 wire goes from one of the transom anodes and runs about 10' forward to the stainless fuel tank. I just can't figure why it was thought such a large conductor was needed. This is a manufacturer installation. The boat is a Cranchi.
    Any ideas?
    Thanks in advance
    Scott
     
  2. CDK
    Joined: Aug 2007
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    Location: Adriatic sea

    CDK retired engineer

    There is no valid reason, probably just dogmatic thinking "it is a long distance, so use a heavy wire". Or the #6 spool was closest.
     
  3. jonr
    Joined: Sep 2008
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    Location: Great Lakes

    jonr Senior Member

    Perhaps some beliefs about lightning. But I have no idea what a correct lightning protection system for a boats is. I guess something that provides a low impedance path from the sky to the surface of the water without running through or near people, other wires, sensitive electronics or flammable materials.
     
  4. darr
    Joined: Nov 2004
    Posts: 129
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    Location: Tampa, FL

    darr Open Minded

    Brother-in-law syndrome?

    Mrs. Cranchi to husband:

    Honey, if my brother doesn't sell these 10' long copper wires he will get fired from the 10 foot #6 wire company, he will have to move in with us!
     

  5. mydauphin
    Joined: Apr 2007
    Posts: 2,161
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    Location: Florida

    mydauphin Senior Member

    Ha ha


    Should be in JOKES....
     
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