Installing a BCM - what gauge wire to use?

[JimNAZ]

Hello,

My battery bank will be about 40-45 feet from where I want to install the meter. What gauge wire should I use? * The wiring will be outside in conduit if that makes a difference.

Thanks
Jim

[zoneblue]

That unit is basically a fancy voltmeter, so it should draw just about nothing. Hence ethernet cable or similar should be fine. Try it...

[vtmaps]

My battery bank will be about 40-45 feet from where I want to install the meter. What gauge wire should I use? * The wiring will be outside in conduit if that makes a difference.

The battery monitor wiring should NOT be in the same conduit as your AC power cables. 

--vtMaps

[JimNAZ]

The BCM has 3 wires - 2 go to the + battery post ans 1 to the -. Not sure how an ethernet cable would work.

AC line and BCM wires not in same conduit

[vtmaps]

The BCM has 3 wires - 2 go to the + battery post ans 1 to the -. Not sure how an ethernet cable would work.

What battery monitor is that?  Most attach to a current shunt in the negative circuit, and because of that they don't need to be fused.  If you are attaching something to the battery positive, you must have a fuse protecting the wire.

--vtMaps

[tecnodave]

Vt,

I think that JimNaz is referring to the midnight battery condition monitor not the Whizbing Jr.


JimNaz,

Vt is referring to the Guage of wire needed, use a phone jack to plug the Ethernet cable into or use similar small wire to connect BCM to battery such as thermostat wire or phone wire.
One wire can be switched to turn off display and leave monitor connected, but it is not necessary to do that. Only one fuse will be needed to protect both positive wires. Use auto type 32 volt fuse for that's, 3 ampere should be fine.  Type 3AG. , SFE,  or the newer ATX  plug in fuses used in the newer cars.

td

[zoneblue]

Yes, by 'ethernet' i just meant ethernet cable, or telephone cable, anything with a few strands of copper. You dont need the plugs or whatnot. Both telephone and ethernet also come in outdoor grade, with a tough plastic sheath, and silicone imprenated.  But im sure what ever you have in conduit will work as well.

[Westbranch]

Only one fuse will be needed to protect both positive wires.
Use auto type 32 volt fuse for that's, 3 ampere should be fine. 

IIRC  that should be a 1 Amp fuse.  It's in the installation instructions...