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Tinned copper wire is a type of copper wire coated in a thin layer of tin to protect the copper from corrosion that would decrease the wire’s efficiency in humid or rainy climates, high-heat environments and in certain types of soil. Tinned wire is more expensive than its non-tinned counterpart, but it lasts significantly longer and is easier to solder than non-tinned copper wire.
When you apply a thin coating of tin to bare copper wire, either by dipping the copper in molten metal or by using an electric current to bind the tin to the copper, you create what is known as tinned copper wire. Tinned copper wire is just as conductive as bare copper wire, but the thin layer of tin helps the wire resist corrosion. Tinned copper wire can last up to 10 times longer than its non-tinned counterpart, and because solder is composed primarily of tin, tinned wire is incredibly easy to solder. Tinned copper wire is particularly useful in industrial cranes, subways and marine projects where the tin coat makes the wire more resistant to water. [links]
If you’ve ever seen the Statue of Liberty, you’ve seen oxidized copper. In exceptionally humid climates, such as on the coastline, in swampy southern areas of the U.S., or in highly acidic soils, copper reacts to water, oxygen or sulfur in the environment and degrades into a semiconductor. In other words, the copper becomes far less efficient at moving electricity through itself. This problem is most often solved by a process called tinning. [links]
Well, the short answer is that tinned copper is copper coated by a base alloy such as solder better known as tin. Sounds simple but there’s more to it than that. Copper itself has many beneficial characteristics making it highly desirable however it does have short comings. This is where tinning comes into play. Tinning is done for several reasons. Primarily, it strengthens the copper’s natural properties, making it better equipped to resist humidity, high temperatures and wet environments which is why it is found in high quality marine wire. here
Did you know that 12-gauge tin coated copper wire can last up to ten times longer than a similar 12-gauge bare copper wire? As tin resists corrosion and doesn’t oxidize the plating helps to protect the copper underneath. This wards off additional wear and tear that would detract years off the life off a bare copper cable. This is especially important where the operating temperatures of the wire exceed 100 degrees Celsius. At higher temperatures, the corrosion resistance of copper declines, making a tin coating valuable for protecting the wire in this state. Tinned copper is also highly desirable for any marine electronics. This is why it is chosen when manufacturing marine wire. here
Using Tinned Copper is an easy and effective way of preventing a copper conductor from tarnishing or becoming oxidized. You probably have seen copper when it is oxidized, it turns green. The Statue of Liberty is a famous example of copper oxidation. What causes this to happen? It is a chemical reaction of the metal surface with the oxygen present in the air that causes some of the metal to corrode, or oxidize, and form the respective metal oxide on the surface.
Tinned TEW/MTW wire is primarily used in marine wiring applications. Finely stranded tinned plated copper increases corrosion protection, and is covered with a flexible PVC insulation. TINNED TEW/MTW wire meets DOT and Coast Guard specifications for electrical systems. more
• UL and CSA Approved
• 600 V Rating
• ROHS Compliant
•Temperature ratings of 105°C (221°F) dry 75°C (167°F) wet
• Assorted colors
• Each spool sealed against dust
Tinned TEW/MTW wire is primarily used in marine wiring applications. Finely stranded tinned plated copper increases corrosion protection, and is covered with a flexible PVC insulation. TINNED TEW/MTW wire meets DOT and Coast Guard specifications for electrical systems. more
• UL and CSA Approved
• 600 V Rating
• ROHS Compliant
•Temperature ratings of 105°C (221°F) dry 75°C (167°F) wet
• Assorted colors
• Each spool sealed against dust
In the next chapters of this product buying guide, we’ll endeavor to give you an in-depth understanding of marine wire so that you can be confident that it’s what’s best for your boat. [links]
This is linked to the resistance to fire, with the materials used to create the cable effectively reducing the risk of fire.
Marine battery cable is commonly used for battery installation and it can withstand temperatures that range between -20 to 105 degrees. Its voltage rating is measured at 50 volts and it has a high ‘tinned-copper strand’ cable count. This type of marine wire doesn’t just withstand harsh environments, it also shows resistance to oils, fuels, and acids. [links]
The yellow wire is used to connect the generator to the regulator field terminal.