Boating Industry of
America
wire color code
Here are the standard wire colors used in the boating industry since the late
70s. When trouble shooting an existing unit or re-powering a boat
with a newer motor this is a handy reference. Most boats with
outboard motors use these
standards but always double check in case some aftermarket changes have been
made !
Black---------------------------------All Grounds
Black with Yellow stripe---------Magneto/short to Kill
Gray----------------------------------Tachometer signal
Yellow with Black stripe---------Choke
Red-----------------------------------Unprotected (12V+) from battery
Red with Purple stripe-----------Protected (+12V) from battery
Purple--------------------------------(+12V) from ignition switch
Tan-----------------------------------Overheat sensor to warning horn
Pink---------------------------------- Sending unit to fuel gauge
Yellow with Red stripe---------- Ignition switch to starter solenoid
Yellow--------------------------------Charging stator to rectifier
Lt. Blue with White stripe------ Trim up
Green with White stripe---------Trim down
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Some more standard wire colors used on many inboard boats, always double check
though, as some vary or may have been changed along the way!
Some standard colors for boats since 1980 are as follows:
** Motor
· heavy Red 10 gauge (main battery)
· heavy Black (main ground)
· Purple (ignition)
· Yellow (starter solenoid)
· Grey (tachometer)
· Brown (temperature)
· Blue (oil pressure)
· Brown with stripe (alarm)
** Accessories
· Pink (fuel sending unit)
· Yellow (blower)
· Brown (bilge pump)
· Grey (navigation lights)
· heavy Green (bonding wire)
· Red (miscl electrical add-ons , vhf , depth finder, stereo, radar, power
supplies)
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Most outboards have an in-line fuse on motor usually inside a small rubber or
plastic fuse holder.
It is generally an extremely short fuse holder with a short 20 amp fuse in it.
It's often located near the start solenoid on one of the red wires.
If that fuse is blown you will get nothing at the switch!
Can't find it... you might check your owner's manual for the location.
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Trailer Light Wire
colors
Yellow- left turn signal
Green- right turn signal
Brown - Tail lights
White- Ground
When brakes are applied power is sent to both the yellow and green.
You may need a taillight converter if you have a non US made truck or car.
This converts a 5 wire vehicle wiring to 4 wire to a trailer.
Originated 01-05-2010, Last Updated 01-08-2010
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