(Note: AWG stands for American Wire
Gauge. Larger numbers mean smaller con-
ductor diameters. Metric wire gauge is 10
times the conductor diameter in mm: 30-
gauge metric is 3 mm conductor diameter. In
metric wire gauge, larger numbers are larger
conductor sizes. See Table 24-3, page 340.)
Even though diesel won’t ignite from a
static spark, diesel tanks and piping should
be grounded as well to control corrosion.
Many small to mid-sized FRP and wood ves-
sels are not equipped with a bonding system.
Perhaps the best solution for such craft is to
bond the tanks and fill pipes alone to an in-
dependent, through-bolted external zinc. You
have to take specialcare not to accidentally
cross-connect to any other part of the elec-
trical system.Don’t Go Rubbery, and
Don’t Split!
A final thing to keep in mind is that rubber
should never be used for gaskets, hoses, or
padding on your tanks or fuel system.
Petroleum-based products like gasoline
and diesel break down the rubber, creating
disastrous leaks. Neoprene is the proper
gasket and padding material. And remem-
ber, split gaskets of any material aren’t al-
lowed. The split would be a potential path
for a leak.Chapter 4: Fuel Piping and Fuel System Bonding