---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 183.425"
title: "33"
number: "183.425"
heading: "Conductors: General."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/183.425"
---

# §183.425. Conductors: General.

- (a) Each conductor must be insulated, stranded copper.
- (b) Except for intermittent surges each conductor must not carry a current greater than that specified in Table 5 for the conductor's gauge and temperature rating.
- (c) For conductors in engine spaces, amperages must be corrected by the appropriate correction factor in note 1 of Table 5.
- (d) Each conductor in a multiconductor sheath must be at least a No. 18 AWG conductor.
- (e) Each conductor installed separately must be at least a No. 16 AWG conductor.
- (f) **Each No.** 18 AWG conductor in a multiconductor sheath may not extend out of the sheath more than 30 inches.
- (g) This section does not apply to communications systems; electronic navigation equipment; electronic circuits having a current flow of less than one ampere; conductors which are totally inside an equipment housing; resistance conductors that control circuit amperage; high voltage secondary conductors and terminations that are in ignition systems; pigtails of less than seven inches of exposed length and cranking motor conductors.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 73-217, 42 FR 5944, Jan. 31, 1977; 42 FR 24739, May 16, 1977, as amended by CGD 81-092, 48 FR 55736, Dec. 15, 1983]

### Source

Source: CGD 73-217, 42 FR 5944, Jan. 31, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 4302; Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2439; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, para. II, (92)(b). Subpart E is also authorized by Pub. L. 114-120, 130 Stat. 27

### Source

Source: CGD 72-61R, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 73-217, 42 FR 5944, Jan. 31, 1977; 42 FR 24739, May 16, 1977, as amended by CGD 81-092, 48 FR 55736, Dec. 15, 1983]