Splicing heavy gauge wire to the smaller power cord wires

[mikezx18]

I keep reading the importance of powering the new units with heavy gauge wire for better image clarity and less voltage drop. I recently purchased two 93sv units and have decided to run dedicated 10 gauge circuits for each unit for simplicity. I’m not running live scope and I’m just a weekend guy that fishes with my son. My question is, how do you splice 10 gauge wire to the much smaller power cable wires? Even with a buss block at the console, it’s still 10 gauge wire to the bow and I can’t find step down butt connectors and don’t really want to add buss blocks.

[Meleagris1]

Slightly larger quality marine heat shrink crimp connectors will be fine. I used to solder all my connections, which is probably best but I've never had an issue with good connectors and crimping tool.

[majatk]

From #10 to say #16 in a butt , strip the 16 twice or three times as long and fold the wire over once or twice so its a larger diameter

When just soldering I strip them each 1/2" , lay them overlapped and use one strand of scrap wire 3-4" long starting in the middle and wrap to one side , then from the middle to the other side of the over lapped wires , this holds them together until soldering .

If you have one large wire and several units to power you can use a butt of the larger wire diameter and several fuse holder wires on the other side of the butt , like #8 on one side of a # 8 butt and four fuse holders of # 14 wire will fit on the other side of the butt .

If your running the two # 10 runs back to a battery disconnect for + and battery - you can stuff two #10`s into one # 8 ring terminal

heres a good video

[MonteSS]

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[MonteSS]

#10 uses a yellow butt. For smaller wire on the other end just fold it so it is doubled or tripled up and fits the yellow butt.
If you don't have the proper crimps don't even bother as it will be a terrible connection and loosen or pull out easy.

Most use these which are the worst.
g120RCVRKiT-F.jpg

You want to find this kind with the "tooth".
Untitled-1.jpg

[WranglerSS]

I buy tinned ring connectors sized for the wire gauge I'm running. I then use a quality crimper and marine grade heat shrink with adhesive. I connect them using a buss bar like these.

71KLjYf0nSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

[86 inches]

Or just do it right and use a dual bus or fuse panel at the bow.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/272...20_Stud_5_Gang

https://www.bluesea.com/products/502..._Bus_and_Cover

[86 inches]

I buy tinned ring connectors sized for the wire gauge I'm running. I then use a quality crimper and marine grade heat shrink with adhesive. I connect them using a buss bar like these.

71KLjYf0nSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Those are nice. Where did you get them. What brand.

[Mcjenson]

I like heat shrink female and male spade connectors personally.

[86 inches]

They do make step-down butts, if you want to go that way.

[1BADAIR]

Buss bar or a fuse box

[fishin couillon]

I do the folding for smaller wire to fit, then crimp it good.....also use the heat shrink connectors.....work excellent and also seals the connection......

[WranglerSS]

Those are nice. Where did you get them. What brand.

https://www.amazon.com/Joinfworld-Te...09TGSB55R&th=1

[mikezx18]

Thanks for the replies. The video also validated what I was thinking. I’m going to run a third spare leg while I’m at it in the event I ever add on.

[RangrSkipr]

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[bobcoy]

I keep reading the importance of powering the new units with heavy gauge wire for better image clarity and less voltage drop. I recently purchased two 93sv units and have decided to run dedicated 10 gauge circuits for each unit for simplicity. I’m not running live scope and I’m just a weekend guy that fishes with my son. My question is, how do you splice 10 gauge wire to the much smaller power cable wires? Even with a buss block at the console, it’s still 10 gauge wire to the bow and I can’t find step down butt connectors and don’t really want to add buss blocks.

As some have said, the proper way is a bus strip or better an individually fused connector with the proper wire size ring terminal for each wire in the ring size terminals(#10 or whatever the terminal screws are). Anything else is a compromise. Bob

[Coho975]

I buy tinned ring connectors sized for the wire gauge I'm running. I then use a quality crimper and marine grade heat shrink with adhesive. I connect them using a buss bar like these.

71KLjYf0nSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I do this as well, but I just use a small machine screw with a lock washer to connect them, then tape.

[lpugh]

Do not need 10 gauge wire to each unit, run a twisted pair of 10 gauge to a fuse/buss box. Then run a 16 gauge to individual unit 9 or smaller, 14 gauge for larger units from the fuse box

[SoonerFan]

Heat shrink crimp on ring connectors for the correct size wire then a short 6-32 pan head and nut to connect them...more heat shrink over the connection.

[z385198]

I used "Posi-lock" connectors. They are amazing connectors. I believe the 10 guage posi locks are yellow and you can easily attach the smaller guage power cords to them.