What gauge wire from batteries to inverter
I am going to install an inverter in my trailer and am curious about what gauge wire I need to run from the batteries. To be honest I really don't have an application or device I want to run off it. I...
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Even if someone was giving me 10 gauge wire for free, I'd thank them for their contribution and still buy some 4/0 welding cable.
Do it right the first time, welding cable isn't very expensive.
There's no penalty for using heavier cable than necessary. And when it comes time to run a large load, heavier cable means less drop, which means your inverter isn't working quite as hard. Turning 13v into 120v is easier than 11v into 120v.
2oldman's suggestion is SPOT ON. If you're just building the system and haven't bought anything yet. Go for higher voltage. 8x golf cart batteries (or a lithium pack) gets you a nice 48v system. This lets you use lighter cable, and everything else is much more efficient. An inexpensive DC-DC converter provides 12v for small loads like pump, lights, etc.
Do it right the first time, welding cable isn't very expensive.
There's no penalty for using heavier cable than necessary. And when it comes time to run a large load, heavier cable means less drop, which means your inverter isn't working quite as hard. Turning 13v into 120v is easier than 11v into 120v.
2oldman's suggestion is SPOT ON. If you're just building the system and haven't bought anything yet. Go for higher voltage. 8x golf cart batteries (or a lithium pack) gets you a nice 48v system. This lets you use lighter cable, and everything else is much more efficient. An inexpensive DC-DC converter provides 12v for small loads like pump, lights, etc.
