What is the data wire gauge of a heavy cable?

What is the data wire gauge of a heavy cable?

• A. 20 awg
• B. 18 awg
• C. 16 awg
• D. 22 awg

Answer: (B)

The data wire gauge for heavy NMEA 2000 data cable is 18 AWG. This size is chosen because the CAN-based data pair on NMEA 2000 needs low enough resistance and moderate capacitance per length to maintain reliable signaling over typical boat runs. 18 AWG provides a good balance between electrical performance and practical cabling—small enough to keep voltage drop and signal distortion in check, but not so large that the cable becomes stiff and costly. Using a smaller gauge (like 20 or 22) would increase resistance and potential voltage drop, degrading CAN communication, while a larger gauge (like 16) isn't necessary for data and adds unnecessary bulk and expense.

The data wire gauge for heavy NMEA 2000 data cable is 18 AWG. This size is chosen because the CAN-based data pair on NMEA 2000 needs low enough resistance and moderate capacitance per length to maintain reliable signaling over typical boat runs. 18 AWG provides a good balance between electrical performance and practical cabling—small enough to keep voltage drop and signal distortion in check, but not so large that the cable becomes stiff and costly. Using a smaller gauge (like 20 or 22) would increase resistance and potential voltage drop, degrading CAN communication, while a larger gauge (like 16) isn't necessary for data and adds unnecessary bulk and expense.