What ga wire do I need ?
I currently have a WFCO 45 amp converter. I have never been happy with it. I have a voltmeter that tells me it is almost always at 13.6 volts. It never drops below that and in 8 years I have only se...
Forum Discussion
Generally #6 is good for 60 amps and #10 is good for 30 amps. It really all depends on what heat rating the insulation is good for and also what heat rating the terminals are rated for. Most devices probably have terminals rated for 75 degree C. Wire size is also dictated by length and thus voltage drop.
In your situation it seems like they used the #6 to reduce voltage drop due to the long run of wire. This is a normal thing to do. Just because a certain size wire will handle a certain current without overheating doesn't mean it won't lose some voltage getting to the other end.
I would extend the #6 with more #6 directly to the battery terminals, fuse it at 60 amps, and hook up your new converter. I suspect voltage drop won't be an issue but you didn't say how long the run is.
In your situation it seems like they used the #6 to reduce voltage drop due to the long run of wire. This is a normal thing to do. Just because a certain size wire will handle a certain current without overheating doesn't mean it won't lose some voltage getting to the other end.
I would extend the #6 with more #6 directly to the battery terminals, fuse it at 60 amps, and hook up your new converter. I suspect voltage drop won't be an issue but you didn't say how long the run is.
