What size bonding wires shall be at least __________?

The minimum size of bonding wires specified in marine electrical systems is intended to ensure adequate electrical conductivity and to minimize resistance in grounding and bonding applications. Using bonding wires that are at least #8 AWG is crucial because they provide sufficient current-carrying capacity to safely manage the electrical loads experienced in marine environments.

Larger gauge wires, like #6 AWG, although acceptable for some cases, may be more than what is necessary for typical bonding applications. On the other hand, smaller gauges like #10 or #12 AWG may introduce higher resistance, which could compromise the effectiveness of the bonding system and potentially lead to safety issues due to inadequate current handling during fault conditions. Therefore, #8 AWG is recognized as a standard minimum size that balances safety and performance in marine applications.