Van Life Wire Size for your van build

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This video introduces Wire Sizes for your van build..
Materials mentioned in this video series (Amazon affiliate links):
Ancor Marine Grade Duplex Wire amzn.to/3woOras
Wire strippers amzn.to/2Ypqcwl
Crimpers amzn.to/3kihOGz
TEMCO wire amzn.to/30bz2OZ
TEMCO solar cable amzn.to/3wpiChA
TEMCO wire amzn.to/2VfHbiL
Wire 2/0 amzn.to/3GTTaWB
Wire 6 Ga amzn.to/3o4lrkB
Wire 8 Ga amzn.to/3CTAELq
Wire 10 Ga amzn.to/3bQ07tp
US Wire Extension cord 12/3 amzn.to/3qeEr2s
Wire strippers amzn.to/3wnq9Oa
12 Volt Fuse Block amzn.to/3o4lMUp
Charts
Blue Sea System Circuit Wizard to calculate wire gauge circuitwizard.bluesea.com/#
Blue Sea Systems wire size, fuse reference assets.bluesea.com/files/resou...
Products used in this van build (affiliate links):
Magnetic Screens amzn.to/3bQ2NHt and amzn.to/3CXDxuJ
Hatch/skylight Marine Hatch amzn.to/3bQjlz6
Sink: amzn.to/3o5ieBe
Pumps amzn.to/2ZZD8tl
UV sterilizer amzn.to/3wnp6xI
Solar Panels amzn.to/307QaVV
Inverter amzn.to/3wwmfCz
Solar Charge Controller amzn.to/3BRTbXd
Battery Monitor amzn.to/3o8XoRC
Bed Mattress amzn.to/3CY75IA
Bed Rails Beam - bit.ly/3qbc5CT
Wood Slats - bit.ly/3oBJGWo
VADANIA Industrial Ultra Heavy Duty Drawer Slides with Lock 52" amzn.to/30bAJfj
Safety Glasses - amzn.to/3qfoRnp
Trim Removal tools - amzn.to/2ZZq1s6
Rivnut tool - amzn.to/3qcKcOh
5/16" Rivnut - amzn.to/3bLzsho
M8 Rivnut - amzn.to/3wluOA8
M8 Bolts - amzn.to/2ZXCDzO
Drill stops - amzn.to/3bQj1jS
Framing Square - amzn.to/3CTYyXp
Combination Square - amzn.to/307ov7A
Bar clamps - amzn.to/3wpbMZE
Drill Bits - amzn.to/3qdSRjg
Sink Sprayer: amzn.to/3BT5FOm
Water heater amzn.to/3o0EOei
R.O. Filter System amzn.to/305Z4mQ
Pex flex elbow amzn.to/2ZZ5q7h
Pex elbows amzn.to/3kaCjF6
Pex Crimp fittings amzn.to/3qfcsj3
Pex shut off amzn.to/2YoTVWd
Spin down filter amzn.to/302CbAs
Filters amzn.to/2YrMPQM and amzn.to/3keP4yF
Pex Cinch Tool + Pipe Cutter amzn.to/3qnZsro
Marine deck plate amzn.to/3kzCN8b
Water Tanks - www.classacustoms.com/ OR amzn.to/3CVYgz1
Electronic ball valve amzn.to/3H2HEIk
Shower valve amzn.to/3qfMOL3
Shower wand amzn.to/3wpIqKG
Fuse holder amzn.to/3ETqH17
Ring Terminals with heat shrink amzn.to/3BULhMA
Ferrule Crimping Tool Kit amzn.to/3EQTwLG
Ancor Marine Grade Duplex Wire amzn.to/3woOras
Heat Gun amzn.to/3o9KKSe
Wire strippers amzn.to/2Ypqcwl
Crimpers amzn.to/3kihOGz
TEMCO wire amzn.to/30bz2OZ
TEMCO solar cable amzn.to/3wpiChA
TEMCO wire amzn.to/2VfHbiL
Wire 2/0 amzn.to/3GTTaWB
Wire 6 Ga amzn.to/3o4lrkB
Wire 8 Ga amzn.to/3CTAELq
Wire 10 Ga amzn.to/3bQ07tp
US Wire Extension cord 12/3 amzn.to/3qeEr2s
Wire strippers amzn.to/3wnq9Oa
12 Volt Fuse Block amzn.to/3o4lMUp
Disconnect switch amzn.to/3youHU6
Lugs 2/0 amzn.to/3BOnOgl
Lugs 6 Ga amzn.to/3o4aUGc
Lugs 8 Ga amzn.to/31F2FZA
Hammer Crimper amzn.to/3qhgIyv
Heat shrink tubing amzn.to/3mRjgBl amzn.to/3wCC2A1
Loctite: amzn.to/3bMVC2I
Butane Torch amzn.to/3o4yoe5 OR amzn.to/31F391Q
Solder amzn.to/3oaqv6O
Square D Load Center amzn.to/3ERKr5l
Din Rail for Breaker amzn.to/3CUFJTT
Birch Edge Banding amzn.to/3EVac4E
Edge banding trimmer - amzn.to/3o8SuDX
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[@JaYoeNation]

Liked and thank you. Needed a no nonsense wire size explanation. I have been really afraid of doing it improperly.

[@FrugalFactor]

Have no fear, just use the wire gauge calculator!

[@cierrabrady9633]

I was having a hard time trying to figure out what size wires to use. I’m so glad I found this video. Now I feel confident in doing my electrical. Thank you so much.

[@Thedestressguy]

Another great video that is super helpful and concise - thanks for putting it out on the web for all of us.

[@brianbuu8025]

These videos are of the highest quality and detail concerning Van Life. Please keep up the great work!

[@bernadettetibazi7893]

OMG such a wealth of information plainly and succinctly presented. Carry ON! You are the best!

[@kosmoch]

Your videos are exceptional sir. Thank you for all of the informative content that you share on this channel and the thorough lists provided in all of your video descriptions, it's truly helpful and concise.

[@FrugalFactor]

I appreciate that!

[@TL-rp8yn]

Very informative and concise

[@keithdawe4866]

Thank you very much for making this video. Very informative.

[@FrugalFactor]

You are welcome!

[@RJGilman1967]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@chipmeister111]

Nice to find your channel, thanks for the valuable info.

[@FrugalFactor]

Thanks for watching!

[@drharris156]

Well good golly Ms. Molly!!! The universe sent me to you and you have made what was difficult for me to wrap my head around in this process into a simple process to understand and follow; I think lol. Had to send a shout out. I had a ? but I read your replies and got the answer which was how much of the 2/0 would I need. I will be checking more of your videos out for alternate confirmations. Thank you so much for your expertise. :)

[@mickey4947]

Thanks very much for this video. It helped me understand this subject.

[@FrugalFactor]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Hope your Van Build goes well. If your looking for specific information each video is separated by category at thefrugalfactor.com/

[@alensmonian-xy9ys]

Thank you for your great information

[@FrugalFactor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BTflicks]

Great info, thanks.

[@FrugalFactor]

Thank You for the comment. Hope you build goes well 😃

[@user-dl4fd5rn8h]

thanks for your help

[@FrugalFactor]

Thank You. This is a very popular video. Let me know if you have any other electrical questions. All the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/

[@jorgegalvan5732]

Great video

[@FrugalFactor]

Thank You. For reference all the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/

[@oghenemineoteri4954]

Best

[@rodneyalberta2020]

good video can you make video of doing sey up solar going to start 100 watt sorar panel then build it up to 400 and i dont know any thing about solar or wiring

[@brazilianredneck]

Rookie question of the day... I have VERY heavy duty extension cords I was given by a friend and I also have some really thick wire that came from an industrial (paper mill) demolition I was part of. So other than adding unnecessary weight to the build, using wires that are thicker than the normally used for van conversion is OK, regarding safety? Thanks for the video, I'm glad I subscribed!

[@FrugalFactor]

Wire size is measured in a unit called AWG (American Wire Gauge). You need to size the wire to ensure it can handle the current going through it. Also, the wire must be stranded, not solid. You can always use thicker wire in place of thinner gauge wire. If the wire you have meets those requirements, you are good to go!

[@FlaGordon2]

I cried when you cut that cord. I would have researched what length I needed for, like my 45# jackhammer at some point, maybe 15 feet?

[@FrugalFactor]

Thanks for the comment. At least there are a few people that understand :-)

[@gaboaaa23]

hi, can i savely operate a 24V COB LED strip on 20-22AWG wires? The AC adapter puts out 24V 1,5A. The lenght of the wire is about 2 meter long. Ive cutted 6 pieces of 85 cm The COB Led Strip in paralel connection to it. Is this save or can it be that the wire starts to melt or burn? Thanks

[@FrugalFactor]

I would use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ I have not used wire smaller than 16AWG, except for connections to the LEDs, of 10cm or less. If the current it too high, for the wire you can melt the wire and possibly start a fire. Be sure to fuse every circuit to protect the wire from over current.

[@gen2-x364]

Think I'd go with a 48v system. Could save some weight on wiring alone.

[@FrugalFactor]

OK, but there is not that much weight in wire. Most items installed run directly on 12V. The weight of fresh water is the greatest !

[@anthonyralph3101]

Great explanation thankyou .i have recently purchased a van diesel heater.i want to upgrade the wiring loom that comes with the heater as it is Chinese.i have scoured utube but cannot find anything.i have seen that supposedly 12awg will be fine for this .iam running a 240 volt 13amp transformer inside my home to 12 volt outlet.my transformer is 30 amp rated.my 12 volt outlet cable is going to be no longer than 5 ft to the diesel heater .from there to the diesel heater wiring loom .any help or advice please .

[@FrugalFactor]

I would use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ 30 amps of 12 volts DC, for a 5 foot length according to the calculator that calls for a 12 AWG wire, with a 3% voltage drop. Be sure to watch for any fuel leaks, I have seen many comments that the fuel containers often leak. All the videos divided by category can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/

[@gregnorman3183]

Nice video, well explained. Question: why not go with 24v system? You can get many if not must dc items in 24v and a step-down converter is cheap and efficient

[@FrugalFactor]

12 Volt materials are cheaper, and readily available. Also, as you mentioned - no step down converter needed. I look at the space the items take up, the cost, and how easy is it to replace (availability) if I need to replace it in the future.

[@gregnorman3183]

@@FrugalFactor Advantage of 24v - For any given load, half the DC current and losses are down by ¼. smaller wire i.e cheaper - Better input regulation. 0.5v line drop at 12v = 4.6% supply drop whereas 0.25 v line drop at 24v = 1.04% drop. - Better inverter efficiency and regulation. i.e. Less losses converting to AC. An inverter doesn’t have to work as hard to keep its AC output constant. -24v to 12v converter are cheap- about $20 -big energy hogs are AC -induction cook tops, AC air conditioner, AC water heater, instant pot, hair dry, etc

[@FrugalFactor]

@@gregnorman3183 I fully understand. I have been an electronics instructor for over 30 years. When you are building yours go with a 24V system it is more efficient. The power system in my van is complete, and is working very well.

[@gregnorman3183]

@@FrugalFactor Thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to message back. I'm a novice and just trying to learn. I hear on one hand that 24v is better especially for +3000w and running large loads but I see very few going with 24v and just trying to figure out why. I have decided to go with 24v Electrodacus and 280ah battery, and 60 cell solar panels. I will be using DSSR20 relays

[@peterrider3471]

Hi can you help I’m changing my motorhome charge controller to a double one at moment my solar panel just charges my leasure battery I need to know what cable do I need from controller to battery with inline fuse

[@FrugalFactor]

The wire size depends on the current that it will carry from your charge controller to the battery. Look up the specifications of the charge controller.

[@jacquesbeaudoin9706]

Most Channels I have watched recommended marine 14/2. Is 14 not more than enough for a 12v van system?

[@FrugalFactor]

Depends on the current required and distance. Use the Blue Sea circuit calculator to be sure. There is a link in the video description. 12/2 is often close to the same cost as 14/2. If all you are powering is a few LED's even 14/2 is more then needed.

[@Khlandestine]

Is it overkill to use 4/0 AWG for your battery/inverter wires in a 400 watt solar / 2000 watt inverter setup??

[@FrugalFactor]

It does not depend on solar, or Inverter size. It depends on the Current draw and Distance. I always recommend using a wire calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ For my system 2/0 was the correct size.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

Do you ever need 4/0 in a Sprinter van conversion?

[@FrugalFactor]

It depends on the amount of current through the wire. The way I calculate this is by using Blue Sea Systems Circuit Wizard. Use google and it will take you to the Circuit Wizard Calculator. Its possible you might need something larger than 2/0 but that would be a short run from the LI Batteries to the Inverter.

[@JagdPaul]

I have been warned about cheap China aluminum coated copper wire coming from Amazon. I like your idea using the 12/3 extension cord in my van build but cannot seem to find if the wire type on the one you recommend is pure copper.

[@FrugalFactor]

I used this amzn.to/3ZBUaXh Stating it was USA made gave me more confidence. The weight of the cord tells you its copper, not aluminum, and when you cut through it you can tell its the real thing! I used it for all the AC outlets in the van. Thank You for watching!

[@FrugalFactor]

Its the cord you see me cutting at 8:20 seconds into the video!

[@jounik5728]

3x2,5mm2 cable, so can it be used like 6mm2 cable, only 2,5mm2 for negative

[@FrugalFactor]

Your using metric measurements, I only know AWG sizes of wire. You will need to find an online conversion tool. Thicker copper wire can be used in place of thinner diameter wire. I use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/# there must be a similar calculator for metric sizing.

[@cindyzuniga7619]

Is there a difference in 2 0 gage and 2AWG

[@FrugalFactor]

2 AWG is .2576 inches in diameter, 00 or 2/0 gauge is .3648 in diameter. 2/0 gauge can carry higher current (amperage). There is a link to a wire gauge calculator in the video description.

[@davidowen7600]

Did you mean to say 1100 strands for 2/0 size or is your label wrong?

[@FrugalFactor]

This is a link to the 2/0 I purchased amzn.to/3N3sjd4 It states 1196 stands.

[@j.badinter988]

Why having extension cord when you could wire your van with Romex at the first place? Extension cords in a van is a sign go a lack of design

[@FrugalFactor]

Oh my NO. Romex is solid not stranded. Romex is a big No in a marine, or environment with vibration. You can purchase 12-3 marine grade Wire that is not an extension cord. But I choose a quality STJW extension cord instead. Lower cost and provided a layer of molded insulation around the three wires.

[@tehdreamer]

12 awg for each appliance? A bit overkill. Maybe for 12v usb sockets yes but for propex heater for example it consumes 1.5a when it runs. Maxair fan maybe around 1a. All my LED lights consume 2a if all turned on. Well I guess better safe than sorry.

[@FrugalFactor]

Correct better to be safe. Also, easier work with just a few wire gauges. If you monitor the prices it can also be cheaper. Wire prices often fluctuate.

[@tehdreamer]

@@FrugalFactor my mate gave me lots of 20 awg wire for free which I used for LED lights, max air fan, propex heater, some other light stuff. All individual fused circuits. For heavier stuff like fridge, pump, 12v sockets, oven (just for spark) I've used 14awg and thicker (for fridge) . Been fine so far but if I'd do it again I prob use thicker just so I have room to expand more lights for example...

[@dheerajguleria4884]

You have said it wrong " Smaller the gauge the wire less current it can handle ". A 6 gauge wire can handle more current than a 10 gauge.

[@FrugalFactor]

You also stated it wrong. The smaller the gauge NUMBER, the larger the diameter of the conductor and the higher current carrying capacity. Example a 22 gauge wire is a very small diameter, and can carry a very small amount of current. A 6 gauge wire can carry more current than a 22 gauge wire. To avoid confusion use Blue Sea Systems circuit wizard to calculate wire gauge. circuitwizard.bluesea.com/#

[@chrisgauthier1774]

Thank you this was very helpful.

[@FrugalFactor]

Glad it was helpful!