Cable Requirements for PD4655 Converter
I have the infamous WFCO 8955 converter in my toy hauler. Considering upgrading to a PD4655 to reduce my battery charge times. I have approx. 8-10 feet of 6 gauge cable that runs from my battery...
Forum Discussion
RJsfishin wrote:
common sense tells most of us that after the first 5-10 minutes of charging, the amperage is a lot less, and less amperage requires smaller wire. Its as simple as that.
You are talking about limits on the current carrying capacity of the wire. That's not in issue. The OP has 6 gauge wire and a maximum current from his charger of 55A. That's within the ampacity specs for 6 gauge.
The OP wasn't asking if his wire was safe, he was asking if he'd get better performance with heavier wire, i.e., whether the small gauge wire "may limit the PD4655's charge current when it's in the 14.4 volt bulk mode". The answer is yes. 6 gauge does limit his charge current in bulk mode. Whether it's worth changing is up to him, but he will get better performance with shorter fatter wires.
The resistance of the charge cables has a critical effect on the charge current. That's why high end chargers come with remote voltage sensing capability - to avoid that critical effect. Unfortunately, his PD charger does not have remote voltage sensing capability.
