[DG] [DG11] Tinning Wires to Course Computer

[PHINNROS]

Having worked in industry for a number of years there is always a question when inserting stranded wires into terminals if they should be tinned so they are solid.
So the questions is; should the wires from the rudder sensor, fluxgate compass, SeaTalk, power, motor and clutch be tinned or should they be left stranded. I see no mention of what would be best practice in the installation manual.

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

Hi PHINNROS

Thank you for your enquiry.

In general, insulated solderless crimped on terminations should be fitted onto cable ends, since these provide the most secure, robust and high quality connection, protecting against inadvertent short circuits with adjacent cables and unaffected by the properties of soldered used in 'tinning' cable ends to creep over a period of time, leading to loose and poor quality connections.

An alternative to the solderless crimp style termination, would be WAGO style spung loaded connectors, theses apply a constant pressure on the connection and so as the solder in the tinned multistranded cable eases over a period of time, the connector continues to exert pressure on the cable ensure a good quality and secure connection.

Metals used for the terminal studs, nuts, and washers shall be corrosion resistant and galvanically compatible with the conductor and terminal lug. Aluminum and unplated steel shall not be used for studs, nuts, and washers.

This advice is based on NMEA/ ABYC guidelines and the BMEEA code of practice used in the EU.

The tips of the multi stranded wires used for the Rudder transducer, Fluxgate compass, Seatalk and clutch can be tinned, since they will be inserted into the sprung loaded jaws of the connectors on the course computer. The Power and Motor connections are secured in connectors where the jaws of the connection point are either sprung loaded or secured by a follower plate operated by a screw and in these cases we advise not to tin the cable so the termination force is evenly distributed across the multiple strands.

regards

Derek

[PHINNROS]

Thank you Derek. That gives me the answers I needed.

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

Hi PHINNROS

Your'e welcome
Thanks
Derek