wire gauge for low current applications

[svTEMP]

First of all I should say that this question is for a 12vDC system

So far all voltage drop tables I have seen for determining appropriate wire gauge don't go any lower than 5 amps.

For low draw applications IE LED Tricolor Nav light at the mast head I assume that the neglagable draw (0.1 amps) means that voltage drop is not much of an issue and that I could just use 16 or 18 gauge wire and be fine. The length of the run is 70' from the panel to the masthead.

Does anyone know of any voltage drop tables that cover lower amperage applications.

Thanks!

[RichH]

Blue Sea Systems but dont forget the ENTIRE 'run' also includes the length of the ground wire in addition to the 'load' wire.

[Maine Sail]

Nav lights should be a max of 3% VD. However if you want to wire to applicable US standards then 16GA is the smallest you should use. You're technically fine with 18GA but I would personally not use anything smaller than 14GA in a mast. It gets some of the highest abuse on a boat. VD does not matter for your situation and it becomes more about durability.