Inverter wire size?
So new to this, I'm wanting to connect a 425 watt inverter in my rig. What would be the minimum wire size to use for the 12 volt connection?
Forum Discussion
I find charts for wire size to often be confusing and too broad in their recommendations.
For 12 volt circuits (automotive/RV) I prefer this online calculator.
https://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator-_ep_41.html
Parameters needed for calculations are the maximum amperage of the device you're going to power (which for Inverters needs to take into consideration surge capacitiy),and the length of the wire in BOTH directions as it's a DC Circuit. If using a chassis/frame ground at each end then just use the total length of the wire between battery and device PLUS the wire from battery to frame and device to frame.
This calculator also shows voltage drop for each wire size and the max length at stated amperage to achieve the desired max percentage voltage drop.
For 12 volt circuits (automotive/RV) I prefer this online calculator.
https://www.wirebarn.com/Wire-Calculator-_ep_41.html
Parameters needed for calculations are the maximum amperage of the device you're going to power (which for Inverters needs to take into consideration surge capacitiy),and the length of the wire in BOTH directions as it's a DC Circuit. If using a chassis/frame ground at each end then just use the total length of the wire between battery and device PLUS the wire from battery to frame and device to frame.
This calculator also shows voltage drop for each wire size and the max length at stated amperage to achieve the desired max percentage voltage drop.
