Selecting the right trolling motor wire size is usually a troublesome task, especially with all the terminologies and computation required. To do this the right way, you must know the exact volts and the amp of your respective motor. This can uncomplicate the matter and make it easier for you. Here are some definitions and the best way to figure out the right wire sizes for your trolling motor.
Wire Gauge
This term is used to describe the circumference of a wire that is round in shape. The size of the wire usually affects the AWG number, the thicker or bigger the wire the loss the gauge number becomes. When you select your wire size, you should consider the length because the longer the wire also lowers, the AWG rating is required. This is because you will need thicker wire to make up for the additional length.
Amperage
This refers to the current drawn from the battery to power the motor. The amperage drawn by your trolling motor can help calculate the rating of your circuit breaker. It is a significant fact to consider because a specific size is required for every system. You can also use the pounding thrust rating to determine the number of amps your trolling motor draws. The formula used to determine the amps drawn is dividing the thrust by the voltage and multiplying by 12.
Voltage
It can be defined as the flowing current that moves from your battery to your motor. This is commonly referred to as direct current because it flows directly from your battery to your engine. This is less like the alternating current that is applied in almost every home. Volts will help you establish the right measurement of wire to use, the correct gauge, and the right circuit breaker. The best trolling motor for kayaks can either be 12 to 24 volts of electricity. You should also know that both the engine and the battery should be on par with each other. For instance, a motor rated 12 volts should always be paired with a battery rated 12 volts. If your motor is rated at 24 volts, you should use two batteries, which are both rated 12 volts.
Breakers
These are devices used to ensure the safety of the circuit, either from impairment or overloading current. They are designed to cut power in the case that currently exceeds the required amount. It is usually a requirement for trolling motors to have a circuit breaker. This is because of the US coast guard’s regulations, which states that it is a must install either a fuse or have a circuit breaker. They are highly recommended because they protect all the underground carrying current conductors. It would be best if you got a circuit breaker with a higher amp rating that exceeds your trolling motor. This is because you need it to be able to handle any amount of electricity passing through it. Your kayak’s trolling motor requires a circuit breaker rated 50 to 60 amp, but it usually depends on the volts of your trolling motor and the amperage.
Determining the Right Wire Size
A large number of trolling motors use a wire gauge rated 8, but you should always consider the current of your trolling motor, which usually changes the length of your cable. If you require a longer wire, then it is advisable to use a lower wire gauge hence a thicker wire. However, you should be provided with the right gauge size by the manufacturer of your trolling motor. To determine the right size for your motor, you must consider the following: For a 12-volt motor that draws a current of 30 amps with a 50 amp circuit breaker, you require a wire rated 10 AWG for a length of 5 feet. The measure differs according to the length of the wire. If it is 10 feet in length, then you require a wire rating of also 10 AWG. If it is 15 feet in length, then you will need a wire rated at 8 AWG, and if the cable is 20 feet in length, then you will need a wire of 6 AWG.
Conclusion
Understanding the terminology is the first step to figuring out the right trolling wire size. However, it would be best to remember that the AWG rating always differs with the increase in length. When your motor power is high, you need a more extensive lower gauge wire. Your breaker or fuse should have a higher rating to accommodate the amperage of your trolling motor.