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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / Wire size...
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ouello
# Posted: 23 Jan 2011 04:19pm
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I'm running off-grid at my cottage (don't have a choice)
5x 50Ah 12v batteries...1000 Watt inverter...and 1x (for now) 60 Watt Solar panel...

I only use to power a maximum of 8x 9 Watt lights and a TV/DVD... I need to consider that I will need in the near future a on-demand pump for water but that's about it!

I just don't want to start a fire!!! My cottage is wired like a real house (120v...) and I plug everything in the inverter... Just want to know if I really need to go to #2 wire size between batteries and between inverter??? Any tips you have would really help!

Everything's been working fine for the past 3 years... There's a daughter now in the picture and safety is #1!

rayyy
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2011 04:06pm
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howdy Ouello,Can you be more specific on this pump your gonna get?Also not sure if you mean 8 litebulbs at 9 watts each?I'm also curious if you 60 watt solar charging set up is keeping your 5 batterys charged up?

MikeOnBike
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2011 04:52pm - Edited by: MikeOnBike
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Your inverter should be very close to your batteries so the length of #2 shouldn't be a cost issue. How far did you plan to run the #2 wire?

Run the high voltage (120v) line the longer distance as it requires much smaller wire.

MtnDon
Member
# Posted: 15 Feb 2011 05:27pm
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Ditto Mike. The inverter should have had minimum wire sizes for different distances. In my book it is best to use a size larger than their minimum.

#2 wire should carry the expected load out to 12 feet max, more or less. #4 to 8 feet, #6 to 4 feet

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