DC Wire Sizes Explained - Understand how to Increase your system Efficiency with this knowledge

[@kennethdandurand3472]

I have never listened to anything that left me totally (well, almost totally) lost and enjoyed it so much. Will run it through my brain several more times and see if I can grasp it all. Note: I am not an electrician.

[@SolarSolution]

Haha thanks for your message Kenneth, it made me laugh. It is good to hear the content of the video gave your brain something to chew on! All the best, Jesse.

[@richardmurphy399]

Thanks Jesse - the most important aspect of cable/wire selection is I2t (short circuit rating) before the thermal rating being referred to here and in RMS for AC (not infinite Z) or DC current (AH/kWH's) - which will have different fault levels naturally. It may mean that you have to select on short circuit before the thermal considerations are even discussed. Richard Murphy

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Richard! Thanks again for your valuable contribution to the channel.

[@cwp7338]

This episode is the best and simplest explanation on Utube. I cannot control the wire size on some equipment but I can control the length.

[@SolarSolution]

Hi Carolyn, it's nice to hear that you found the video useful. Good luck with your system! All the best, Jesse.

[@victordragano8863]

Thank you Jesse! This video answered so many questions I've had after watching countless other KZbin videos on wiring my solar. Thumbs Up + Subscribed!

[@SolarSolution]

That's great Victor! I couldn't be happier to hear the video answered the questions you had. Thanks for dropping me this message. Enjoy the channel, Jesse.

[@BryanSeigneur0]

This is very interesting to me because I need to site my array 300 or 450 feet from my house (300 if I run the wire under my pond, 450 if I run the wire around the pond). It occurs to me that I should possibly run it under the pond for the temperature reduction (during summer anyway) because you say heat increases resistance. The kit integrators I've talked to are taken aback by this long siting distance for an array. However, I can see many rural customers having this desire to site their array in a particular place. (If not the need. I *need* to site on the far side of my pond because my house plot is so well shaded.)

[@LivingFree365]

WOW! This was awesome! I just upgraded the solar panels on my van and this information is just what I needed. Thank you! Can't wait for the next video. Cheers Shu!

[@SolarSolution]

Great to hear!

[@robertmeshew1935]

Thanks for making a complicated subject easy to understand!

[@SolarSolution]

You're very welcome!

[@brantandrew5777]

Thank you TONS for the video! I always thought the opposite about resistance and heat- I figured as the wire heated, it would decrease in resistance. Thank you!

[@SolarSolution]

Glad it helped!

[@mokkascience]

Voltage goes up Powered goes up Super poem!

[@belleovulestudios9802]

Im wondering about inverter efficiency. I heard sizing your inverter as close to your average draw increases the efficiency of the inverter. I'd like to learn more about inverters and how they work, and DC v. AC current. Thanks Jesse! Love your videos. In general, Im excited to get more in depth/technical on solar topic.

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Rasa, thank you for your message. You have a few excellent questions there, and none of my videos cover this yet. I will definitely share a dedicated video with you on this. I will let you know once it online. I like your name, Rasa, where are you from? All the best, Jesse.

[@belleovulestudios9802]

@@SolarSolution thanks! I recognize theres perhaps a lot to unpack in there. So thank you for your effort. Im in the US 🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️. Ive been slowly teaching myself solar and really love it. We have a lot of queer, poc and/or homeless and semi homeless who live "off grid" and get a lot from small solar systems attached to vehicles or sheds. Im working on a similar project now. Im wondering if breakers (typical home breakers) require only AC current. If so, the breaker box would need to be installed on the AC side of the inverter. I assumed originally it would be on the battery side then feed to a 2000w inverter. My original question is why a home breaker box? In line breakers reduce wire length and seemed more appropriate somehow, but this is the material we have to work with. I figured id post this and see if you or others could help fill the blanks in my understanding. Thanks yall!

[@SolarSolution]

Thanks for your message Rasa. I cannot provide personal advice through the KZbin section, but others might jump in here. Also note that I support community projects under CSR: You can contact me through the main website, just make sure to mention it is a community support project: www.solarsolution.co All the best, Jesse.

[@alanblyde8502]

Hey mate yourve nailed it, everything you have mentioned I’ve done, 48v system cable size length sweet👌🇦🇺

[@SolarSolution]

Great to hear Alan!

[@runplatypus]

So clear and easy to understand 👍🏽 thank you for the knowledge. 👍🏽💯

[@SolarSolution]

Thanks for your message, it is good to hear you liked it!

[@SolarSolution]

Course trailer and Coupon Code: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHzEkKx4ntpqaJo

[@nkfumbazil5655]

Thanks sir, am following from Cameroon

[@clownssschwab6394]

nasty humans ..human co2 " causing global warming" . Total by volcanos 650million tons per yr.. total human activity co2 =45million tons per year. ... share the info.

[@faustobokoiii3075]

Thank you very much Sir, Good day to everyone!

[@abubakarbukar6248]

I so enjoyed the explanation I didn't the video to end, thank you

[@SolarSolution]

That is great to hear Abubakar, I am glad you enjoyed the video. and such a great compliment to receive, thank you. All the best, Jesse

[@wanzul5668]

🤣👍🏿👍🏿

[@ongoliver8924]

Thanks. Will change wire size today.

[@SolarSolution]

Good luck!

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

please keep these videos coming

[@Rangieh]

Thank you! Learned a lot of information...Good Job!

[@SolarSolution]

That is good to hear Rangieh! Thanks for your message and all the best, Jesse.

[@jerrytalley802]

Excellent video. Where is the best place to get specific wire size? I’ve built houses, wired them, etc. I’m still having a hard time finding exact wire size. I’m planning a 3,000 watt inverter with 400-600 amp hours. I may have missed it but seems the AWG wires are not large enough? It seems I need to go to the 0 gauge sizes? So do I just tell the supply house, I need copper wire, approximately 10’ long, that will carry the load of a 3,000 watt inverter. If I take 3,000 and divide by 12, it is 250 amps. It seems Renogy said get a 350 amp fuse. I need to know the gauge of wire for the maximum amp draw. Seems it should be easy, but too many different ways they look at it? Thanks, I finally get why longer cords heat up, more resistance

[@azharshaikh9048]

Very well explained. All doubts cleared.

[@SolarSolution]

Thank you Azhar, it is good to hear the video gave you what you were looking for. Good luck with your project, Jesse.

[@onyangoabuor5863]

Thank you. I was fabricating a car jumper cable and I was confused about cable size.

[@SolarSolution]

You are welcome George, I am glad it was useful for you!

[@donnadavison20]

Great info on layman's terms

[@SolarSolution]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ReviewsBuster57]

Hello and good day to you! I have been looking on all the internet, KZbin, and I just happen to come a cross your video, my question (if you can able to help me in this little matter!!) I just bought a Fish Finder, and I just want to splice the cable to make it longer, the cable's of the unit they are very thin, could i able to spliced it with a bigger gauge,??? so I can able to reach the 12v Battery. thank you for your expertise, and for your little help on this!! Sincerely the Dummy.

[@sohailjanjua123]

Hi, I like your video. Thanks

[@SolarSolution]

Thank you too

[@sohailjanjua123]

Hi. I like your video. Thanks

[@SolarSolution]

Thank you too

[@valramsingh8360]

very well explained..thank you

[@SolarSolution]

Glad it was helpful!

[@litvramu907]

can i bend AC cable 16m2 from inverter to the grid to S shape? Will there be an affect?

[@stevereason6931]

Jesse, you mentioned ambient temperature surrounding the wire affects the resistance. If I surrounded my 6 gauge wire running from my portable generator to my house with 1 1/2" foam insulation (I'm thinking of a pool noodle or spray foam) would that further help reduce resistance and/or the amp surge when the A/C kicks on? If pool noodles would help reduce resistance by surrounding 6-10 gauge wire don't tell the manufacturer as they will increase the price of pool noodles 10 fold and start selling them at Hardware stores as insulation for wiring. : (

[@shofarsogood7504]

Jesse, many have said it’s important to have stranded wire for everything before inverter. Is this true? Some cite skin effect but my understanding is that doesn’t matter because it’s low to zero frequency. Other than flexibility, does solid wire vs stranded make a difference? ( let’s ignore contact area in the terminal crimps) love your videos!

[@wisalahmad1867]

Em using mppt controller and run home lights and fans but fans are slow due to distance and I have used 2.5mm 7/29 cable for connection.

[@capecoaster69]

How does use of relay help reduces power use at start of a motor connected to an off-grid solar system?

[@DeadTalkLive]

Great clip 👍! As a fellow KZbinr, I am contantly searching for new ideas! Good Job!

[@SolarSolution]

Thanks for your compliment, that is nice to hear!

[@DeadTalkLive]

@@SolarSolution You're Welcome!

[@hoorhareem8424]

Great effort ....

[@SolarSolution]

Thanks a lot!

[@faustobokoiii3075]

Very informative!

[@SolarSolution]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasmahoney9748]

How do I wire 10 panels on the east side of house with 10 on the west side of the house when I live in Florida? As you touched on in another video will the shaded side always pull down the bright sides performance? I can wire each 5 panels on each side in series for a total of 244 volts (MPPT can handle 250 volts) Thank you for the great videos.

[@Willbkool]

Use 2 charge controllers or you will have problems.

[@bobleclair5665]

Strand wire vs solid wire ,as I understand it, in Marine wiring,stranded tin coated wire is used, I’m told it’s code , I have a problem believing it’s better, for one, two different metals and electricity , the other is strand wire is easier to arc, one strand arcs and melts other strands of wire, it’s more common out here on the water in the boating world,I prefer solid wire until you get to areas where flexibility is needed,the it’s the stranded wire, what are your thoughts?

[@maz3x]

Very informative video. Please continue making more. Thank you

[@SolarSolution]

Thanks for your message Maz, I am glad you like it! Jesse.

[@ganesankpillay3768]

Thank you indeed for he videos

[@SolarSolution]

Glad you like them! Thank you for your message. All the best, Jesse

[@alexdubois6585]

It would be very useful to know if to calculate the wire size, when you have a junction box far away from a 24V battery bank, to you calculate the wire size for the 12V part (after a buck converter + junction box) based on the full length of cable, or just after the buck converter?

[@SolarSolution]

Great suggestion!

[@daryllittleton6765]

If it's bigger than the load cable, can your ground wires ever be too big? For instance, would having 2/0 AWG on my engine ground to chassis and negative post to chassis be too large for a 2 or even a 4 AWG load cable? I'm hoping buying a couple months ago before I learned as much as I have isn't biting me in the ass.

[@jeanphilippearlet4317]

Is there a difference between cable size and wire size? So gauge 8 AWG is bigger then a gauge 12 AWG cable if I understand correctly? Or does cable size means its circumference ?

[@gordonswann295]

hi can you use a 12 gauge wire to replace a 14 gauge wire for 12 volt dc

[@daysofnoah1748]

The British invented the backwards sizing for AWG, but America seems stuck with it.

[@mokkascience]

If we double the voltage the appliance got damaged. I don't understand

[@abdulhadikurd3513]

Very good way of explanation. I need your technical advice . I have two 220Ah 12 v batterys connected in series want to connect a third battery 170 Ah 12v . how should I do it? Without loosing any loss of current or voltage

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Abdul, thank you for your message. It is good to hear you enjoyed the style of the video. As for your request for technical advice: You can reach me through the following link: www.solarsolution.co/services All the best, Jesse.

[@otaznikvykricnik5961]

I think the only reasonable way is to buy the fourth battery. A car with three wheels doesn't run well either.

[@plokijij7856]

I’m still confused do you size the wire to the maximum load or the maximum amps available? If I have a 300ah battery and a inverter that has a maximum power draw of 150amp do you size it for 300amp or 150?

[@Sdinspections]

Very well done!

[@SolarSolution]

Thanks! I am glad to hear you liked the video.

[@kennethroberts2748]

Why do connectors get hotter than the wire the connect?

[@yschanazares4410]

Hi! can i ask on what is the maximum length of the MC4 cable from the solar panels to the inverter? is it okay if the distance between the two is about 50 meters? is the amperage affected? or is it the voltage? because the inverter reading shows 0.6 amperes for a 486V string of solar panels

[@pmww88]

Jesse, I am thinking of running 2 electrical wire from Ford F-150 start battery (215 amp alternator, 70 Ah battery. 15' to cabin, 18' to truck bed) to cabin and truck bed for powering 2000 Watt inverters to charge EGO batteries while driving. What gauge of wire should I use? Thank you in advance.

[@andrewchan7472]

Be careful the battery temperature while alternator is changing...

[@TheShahfarie]

Hye jesse.. i had use cable awg 14 for my 12V led system.. but when i connect several led(my case, i connect 6pcs 9w LED lighting), my voltage was dropped to 9-10V.. the length of my cable is around 25metre. Am i need to used larger cable? For cable with same size, which one is better? Larger strand or smaller strand,?

[@runpvt6524]

Hope this is not answerable, still asking. What is the difference between a 230v AC wire And 230v DC wire

[@m.a.4795]

Hello, Which wires should be used for dc, 1 strand or multistrand?

[@danielherrera1582]

Great video!!!!

[@SolarSolution]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SolarSolution]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SolarSolution]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ferozkhatri8565]

Excellent Video , I have a question and i need your advice and help i have 2 batteries 185AH connected in parallels mode, between these 2 batteries there is 24 inch distance, ( i can't make it short distance less then 24 inch ) and i have a load of 500 watts max from these 2 batteries.. Please suggest which wire size ( AWG and MM ) and Length ( Inch ) should i use for my setup will run smoothly and secure. i will be very thanks full to you

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Feroz, thank you for your message. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the video. I would like to help you, unfortunately I cannot provide personal advice through the KZbin comment section. For advice you can contact me through the main website www.solarsolution.co. All the best, Jesse.

[@sonictech1000]

If the 3% rule holds when paralleling batteries it looks like you could use as small as 12awg. I can't imagine actually doing that though. Any auto parts store will have suitable pre-made battery cables in the 0-4awg range so that's what I'd use.

[@kawaiimariagamez872]

I will look through to see if you have covered this topic, but in my case, I will be installing LED lighting and using many DC powered devices, mostly as effects in a new game room. I have DC power supplies that will connect to AC outlets. How far will I be able to run the DC wires to connect to individual LEDs and or items such as digital picture frames? Thank you.

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Maria, thank you for your message. Based on your question, I think you might benefit from the video I shared on 'Voltage Drop In Wires', here is the direct link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3nbeaKEn7KrabM. Enjoy! Jesse

[@kawaiimariagamez872]

@@SolarSolution Thank you!

[@kawarthaleather6659]

Jesse, what wire size should I use for rewiring solar garden lights. I want to use the small led lights on a project. it's very small wire and I can't seem to find it. I know it's trivial but I hope you can help. Thanks in advance .... Steve

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Steve, thank you for your question. Have you consulted any of the online wire size calculators yet?

[@masumbillah3316]

Thanks

[@SolarSolution]

You are welcome! Thanks for your message. All the best, Jesse.

[@Brian_Of_Melbourne]

You use two terms, seemingly interchangably; amperage and current. How are these different?

[@kashg482]

I can't seem to find the voltage drop calculator.

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Kash, thank you for message. The calculator has been removed recently, sorry for the inconvenience. You might want to do a quick search online, there are several available. Good luck! Jesse.

[@masterelectricity7560]

Is there any formula to determine the cross area of the wire.Thanks

[@leeweimin1431]

Hi, just wondering for solar cable sizing would you use Isc or Imp of PV panel for DC string cable sizing?

[@josepeixoto3384]

So,what wire size to use?

[@carlbeaver7112]

As electrons flow 'across' and not 'through' a conductor, how does the number of strands in a particular wire size affect conductivity/voltage drop, if any?

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Carl, thank you for your English lesson, I appreciate it. As for your question: You might find the following video on voltage drop in wires interesting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3nbeaKEn7KrabM Enjoy and all the best, Jesse.

[@carlbeaver7112]

@@SolarSolution Apologies for the confusion, I never intended that as an 'English lesson'. My purpose for the wording was since electrons flow on/over the outside of conductors, rather than 'through' them, would more strands in a same gauge wire affect conductivity/voltage drop? Thanks for the direction to the next video and all the good work you have put into this series.

[@bellilimohamed3303]

Diameter increases when AWG decreases

[@chapter4travels]

What is the efficiency gain going from 12v to 24v?

[@SolarSolution]

Hi Greg, thanks for your question. I have another video waiting in line which discusses 12/24/48V battery wiring setups. I am sure this will answer your question.

[@joekub7]

great succinct and informative explanations

[@jasonbourne7171]

265$ for consultancy way to high for me i need some answer well design solar system get very limited founds and cant pay 265$ for my questions :(...can you help me for my question free of cost

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Jason, thanks for your message. Did you have a look yet at the library of this channel? It might give you the answers you are looking for. Alternatively, you could also spend a few dollars and enroll in one of the courses, here is the link to one of them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKKTcp2ugZuJm9U

[@jasonbourne7171]

​@@SolarSolution Jesse I am very passionate about this new tech solar and I install mini solar systems with very little price in my area I want to learn more about solar I have many problems which I can get my answer to so therefore I need your courses am happy you offer knowledge about the solar.problem is finance to pay for the course my earning is very limited I will check if under my budgets I will buy I need solar authentic knowledge I wish I will buy these course...

[@nasiralikhowaja9763]

Sir not only talk please pretical

[@SolarSolution]

Hello Nasir, thank you for your question. Perhaps you can clarify what you are looking for: Which kind of practical information are you referring to? Thanks, Jesse.