Where to buy?

benc · 07 July 2011, 08:50

Hi Guys

I am going to be hopefully rewiring the console on my tornado at the end of the month.

I think I need a new switch panel (between 5 and 8 switches), and I think I am going to have to replace at least some of the wiring.

The question is ... where do I buy this stuff from? Is there somewhere online I can buy it cheaper than going into a chandlery? I don't want cheap chinese import stuff from ebay... I want something I can trust/rely on.

Thanks

Ben

Channel Ribs · 07 July 2011, 09:28

Something like this?

About 75 pounds...

benc · 07 July 2011, 09:34

Looks perfect, do you have an eshop?

martini · 07 July 2011, 09:41

The cheapest way to get a switch panel is to make one using Carling switches with rubber boots. There's plenty of ideas on here from people who've done it.

Make sure your cable is tinned, another search on here will get you some links to suppliers.

Here's one for starters: Power Store

Channel Ribs · 07 July 2011, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by benc

Looks perfect, do you have an eshop?

Yep: Essential Bits and Bobs, Channel Ribs

As Martini says, there is lots of info on here about making your own panel up too

benc · 07 July 2011, 09:58

The panel looks ideal, I will look at getting that purchased shortly... how long does delivery normally take? I am in the isle of man next week

so wont be doing anything until at least the week after

As for cabling, what size cable should I be getting? I will be for gps/radio/compass/bilge/spotlight/nav lights (I think thats it for now).

Channel Ribs · 07 July 2011, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by benc

how long does delivery normally take?

We usually use Royal Mail, though they have been a bit slow of late - over three days even with first class seems to be average. Best to allow a week.

Would you like it pre-wired and labeled for your setup?

benc · 07 July 2011, 10:10

How would you terminate the wires ? if I could just strip my wires, add a connector and clip it in, that would be pretty good...

Channel Ribs · 07 July 2011, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by benc

How would you terminate the wires ? if I could just strip my wires, add a connector and clip it in, that would be pretty good...

We can send the right connectors for the panel

If everything is in or on your console, chances are the manufacturer's leads are all long enough?

benc · 07 July 2011, 11:35

I am not sure on the lengths of wires... its not the easiest place to get in to... I think they should be long enough though. What would the extra cost for the wiring be?

Dirk Diggler · 07 July 2011, 12:07

Take a trip down to Aquafax, and get something like this.... Aquafax » Marine & Industrial Equipment

A 30 metre reel of 16 gauge tinned cable and a handful of heatshrink connectors, and you'll have change out of a £100.00

Make yourself some headed notepaper, and you'll get discount. They've got a great selection of bits, and are ever so helpful.

Channel Ribs · 07 July 2011, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by benc

I am not sure on the lengths of wires... its not the easiest place to get in to... I think they should be long enough though. What would the extra cost for the wiring be?

Not much, 10-20 quid most likely. Obviously it depends on lengths and sizes and how you want them connecting. If you have a look at what you have got and where you are putting the panel, let us know what gaps there are?

benc · 28 July 2011, 21:38

Well, I have the boat here now, and thankfully, the switches are fine... its the wiring with spade ends and no heat shrink thats suffered. So in theory, I just need to strip back and replace the connectors, and then cover with heat shrink, which is easier then having to reshaping holes in the console

Thanks for the help!

Chris · 30 July 2011, 20:23

I used these guys when I bought all the wiring to do Time Bandit.

Quality wire and they sell all the heat shrink connectors, switches, panels etc.

GenuineDealz.com - Marine Electrical, Boat Wire & Cable, Custom Battery Cables

They also have an eBay store here:

Genuinedealz eBay Store About My Store

bedajim · 31 July 2011, 05:09

Any good?

Buy Crimp Terminals Blu pushon sealed receptacle,6.3mm width TE Connectivity DP-6-63 online from RS for next day delivery.

Jim

Poly · 31 July 2011, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

A 30 metre reel of 16 gauge tinned cable and a handful of heatshrink connectors, and you'll have change out of a £100.00

.

All the wiring in a single colour will make it a right PITA to find any problems in the future.

Dirk Diggler · 31 July 2011, 12:54

You need to take a look at the wiring on something like a 100' Sunseeker or similar, they only use red, black and green!

And how about your house wiring, that's not colour coded either.

It's actually getting increasingly difficult to get tinned in any more than about 3 or 4 colours, although For most boats/ribs that isn't going to be a problem, as your only going to have a few circuits.

Dirk Diggler · 31 July 2011, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

Any good?

Buy Crimp Terminals Blu pushon sealed receptacle,6.3mm width TE Connectivity DP-6-63 online from RS for next day delivery.

Jim

I quite like RS's prices, but find the website a nightmare to navigate around. So I buy my heatshrink terminals, tiewraps, heatshrink, fuse holders etc from tie wraps direct. They don't have a website, but call them for a catalogue on 0114 249 9259 or email ..... mail@cableties-direct.co.uk

They have an amazing range of items in stock

Poly · 31 July 2011, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

You need to take a look at the wiring on something like a 100' Sunseeker or similar, they only use red, black and green!

And how about your house wiring, that's not colour coded either.

It's actually getting increasingly difficult to get tinned in any more than about 3 or 4 colours, although For most boats/ribs that isn't going to be a problem, as your only going to have a few circuits.

Aye, have you ever tried fault finding on a complicated lighting circuit in a house (eg multiple switches and multiple lights etc - its usually a jumble of unlabelled red wires). And in that world its normally fit and forget for decades at a time - whereas with salty, wet environment and lots of shaking dodgy connections are more likely. Even 2 colours would be much better than 1 (each "appliance" probably only having 2 wires going to it).

PeterM · 31 July 2011, 17:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Aye, have you ever tried fault finding on a complicated lighting circuit in a house (eg multiple switches and multiple lights etc - its usually a jumble of unlabelled red wires). And in that world its normally fit and forget for decades at a time - whereas with salty, wet environment and lots of shaking dodgy connections are more likely. Even 2 colours would be much better than 1 (each "appliance" probably only having 2 wires going to it).

Thats what I am doing now !!!

Must get the garage lights working for when the boat comes home !