Ancor 16 AWG Single Conductor Tinned Wire - Per Foot

Why Tinned Copper for Marine Use

Standard copper wire corrodes quickly in the marine environment. Salt water, humidity, and battery acid attack bare copper, weakening the conductor and creating corrosion that increases electrical resistance. Tinned copper wire is coated with a thin layer of tin, which acts as a barrier against corrosion while maintaining excellent electrical conductivity. For any electrical system on a boat, tinned copper wire is the practical choice for long-term reliability. It resists salt water, battery acid, oil, gasoline, heat, abrasion, and ultraviolet radiation—the full spectrum of marine stresses.

Premium Vinyl Insulation

The wire is covered with premium vinyl insulation rated at 600 volts, which meets or exceeds the electrical demands of recreational marine systems. The insulation is rated for both dry conditions (105°C) and wet conditions (75°C), meaning it performs in engine rooms, battery compartments, and anywhere moisture is present. The vinyl also resists the same environmental hazards as the tinned copper core—salt, acid, oil, gasoline, heat, abrasion, and UV radiation.

Ultra-Flexible Type 3 Stranding

Ancor uses Type 3 tinned copper stranding, which means the wire is made up of many fine strands rather than one solid core. This construction makes the wire ultra-flexible, so it can be bent, twisted, and routed through tight spaces aboard your boat without cracking or breaking. The flexibility is maintained even in extreme cold, down to −40°F/C, so your electrical system remains reliable year-round.

Standards Compliance

Ancor 16 AWG tinned wire exceeds UL 1426, ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council), and US Coast Guard Charter boat standards (CFR Title 46). These are the electrical standards that define marine safety and performance in North America. If you are working on a Canadian or cross-border vessel and want to ensure regulatory compliance, this wire meets the highest standards.

Choosing the Right Wire Size

16 AWG is commonly used for small instrument circuits, panel indicator lights, electronics accessories, signal wiring, and light-duty applications on boats. According to ABYC standards, 16 AWG tinned wire can safely carry up to approximately 25 amps for short runs (up to 10 ft) outside engine spaces. For longer runs or higher-amperage circuits, a larger AWG (thicker) wire is required. Always consult ABYC wiring guidelines or speak with a marine electrician if you are unsure whether 16 AWG is the correct size for your application.

Specifications

• Wire Gauge: 16 AWG
• Conductor Type: Tinned single conductor
• Stranding: Type 3 (ultra-flexible multi-strand)
• Conductor Material: Tinned copper
• Insulation: Premium vinyl, 600 volts rated
• Insulation Temperature Rating: 105°C dry, 75°C wet
• Cold Flexibility: Rated to −40°F/C
• Standards Compliance: Exceeds UL 1426, ABYC, US Coast Guard Charter boat (CFR Title 46)
• Corrosion Resistance: Resists salt water, battery acid, oil, gasoline, heat, abrasion, ultraviolet radiation
• Maximum Amperage (ABYC): Approximately 25 amps for short runs (up to 10 ft) outside engine spaces