In NMEA 2000 Mid cable, which gauges are used for the power and signal/data pairs, respectively?

In NMEA 2000 Mid cable, which gauges are used for the power and signal/data pairs, respectively?

• A. Power #16 and Signal #20
• B. Power #18 and Signal #16
• C. Power #15 and Signal #18
• D. Power #14 and Signal #22

Answer: (A)

NMEA 2000 mid-cable uses a heavier gauge for the power conductors to reliably carry the total current for all devices on the network, while the data pair only carries CAN signals and needs much less current. The standard pairing is 16 AWG for the power conductors and 20 AWG for the signal/data pair, which provides enough current capacity with reasonable voltage drop and keeps costs down. So, Power #16 and Signal #20 is the correct combination. Other gauges would either under-spec the power path or use more conductor than necessary for the data line.

NMEA 2000 mid-cable uses a heavier gauge for the power conductors to reliably carry the total current for all devices on the network, while the data pair only carries CAN signals and needs much less current. The standard pairing is 16 AWG for the power conductors and 20 AWG for the signal/data pair, which provides enough current capacity with reasonable voltage drop and keeps costs down. So, Power #16 and Signal #20 is the correct combination. Other gauges would either under-spec the power path or use more conductor than necessary for the data line.