ABYC and UL Standards for Wire Marking
Blue Sea Systems was recently contacted by a boatbuilder posing a question regarding ABYC Standards specific to wire insulation jackets. The boatbuilder's harness provider was offering an alternative wire with an unmarked insulation jacket. The boatbuilder wanted to know if this unmarked insulation jacket was acceptable under the ABYC Standards.
To answer this question - The ABYC Standards state that, electrical wire insulation jackets for either AC of DC use must be marked with the following:
1) Wire type and style
2) Voltage
3) Wire Size
4) Temperature Rating Dry
However, because E-8 and E-9, the ABYC AC and DC Standards respectively, require that boat wire conforms to UL 1426, there is an additional marking requirement not explicitly stated in the Standards. UL 1426 also requires two additional markings:
5) Manufacturer Name
6) The words "Boat Cable"
With the exception of the wire itself, Blue Sea Systems designs and manufacturers every component required to complete an entire marine electrical system running between the source of power and the load. Blue Sea Systems' components are designed to safely and reliably connect wires together to form a wiring system that will withstand harsh marine environments.