How to Wire XP6 and WP6 Marine Accessories

By BOSS Audio Systems | Life at Full Volume | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn step-by-step how to wire your BOSS Audio XP6 or WP6 marine whip lights, including power, ground, and switch panel connections.

Quick answer

Wire your XP6 or WP6 whip by running a fused positive wire from the battery to a 6-gang switch panel, connecting the whip’s ground to the boat’s common ground bus, and verifying each connection before sealing.

Why a switch panel matters

Both the XP6 and WP6 draw enough current that plugging them into a cigarette lighter socket can blow a fuse or overheat the wiring. A dedicated 6-gang switch panel gives each whip its own circuit, lets you turn lights on and off independently, and simplifies troubleshooting later.

Waterproofing is not optional

The XP6 and WP6 carry an IP67 rating, meaning they survive submersion. But the wiring connections behind the whip base or inside the switch panel are not rated the same. Use heat-shrink butt connectors or marine-grade crimp terminals, then cover every joint with self‑fusing silicone tape. A single exposed copper strand can start corrosion within weeks in a marine environment.

Wiring steps for XP6 and WP6 marine whips

Disconnect the battery: Remove the negative battery terminal first, then the positive. This prevents accidental shorts while you work on the power circuit. Never skip this step – a short while wiring can melt insulation or blow a fuse instantly.
Run a fused positive wire to the switch panel: Use 14‑AWG marine tinned copper wire from the battery positive terminal to a 6‑gang switch panel. Install an inline fuse holder with a 15‑amp ATO fuse at the battery end. Leave the fuse out until all connections are made. A fuse at the battery protects the entire wire run; a fuse only at the panel leaves the first few feet unprotected.
Connect the whip ground wire: Strip ½ inch of insulation from the whip’s black ground wire. Crimp a ring terminal on it and secure it to a common ground bus bar with a stainless steel screw and lock washer. Do not use the battery negative post directly – the bus bar gives a cleaner install and easier future additions. A loose ground connection causes flickering or no operation; torque the screw to 15 in‑lbs.
Wire the whip positive to the switch panel: Run a separate 14‑AWG wire from one switch on the panel to the whip’s red positive wire. Use a crimp‑on butt connector and heat‑shrink tubing. Label both ends of the wire with the whip’s name (e.g., “Port WP6”). If you run multiple whips, label each wire – guessing which switch controls which whip later is frustrating.
Test before sealing: Reconnect the battery, install the fuse, and turn on the switch. For the XP6, open the Illumination Control APP and confirm color changes. For the WP6, pair the RF remote and cycle through modes. If the whip does not respond, check the ground connection and fuse first. Testing before you zip‑tie or silicone the wires saves hours of rework if a connection is wrong.
Waterproof all exposed connections: Wrap each crimp or terminal with self‑fusing silicone tape, stretching it to 75% of its original width as you go. Overlap each layer by half. For extra protection, cover the tape with a layer of adhesive heat‑shrink tubing. Self‑fusing tape bonds to itself and stays flexible – electrical tape will peel off in saltwater conditions.

Products used in this guide

XP6: Illumination Control APP • Bluetooth® App Connectivity • Single Whip or Group Connectivity • Full Color Spectrum • Chasing and Music Dance Modes • Phone Shake Mode Control The XP6 lets you adjust colors and effects from your phone, so you don’t need a separate remote or physical controller near the helm.
XP6
WP6: RF Remote Control – 22 dynamic modes, 20 color combinations, 32 speed levels, 15 brightness levels The WP6 uses an RF remote instead of a phone app, which means you lose Bluetooth pairing steps but gain a dedicated remote that works even when your phone is stowed.
WP6