Soon we will have 2400 Watts (50 amps) rolling into the Classic, then going through a Magnum ePanel to our 48 volt battery bank. I'd like to double check the proper wiring sizes. We currently have the Classic wired to the ePanel using 8 gauge wire.
According to this carrying capacity wiring guide, this size wire is appropriate, but I just want to double check. The cables going from the ePanel to the Batteries are the huge 4 aught, it seems a little strange that Classic to ePanel would be 8 gauge.
Let me know if this is an OK setup.
Wire Carrying Capacity:
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
Quote from: ddxv on February 03, 2014, 01:46:52 AM
Soon we will have 2400 Watts (50 amps) rolling into the Classic, then going through a Magnum ePanel to our 48 volt battery bank. I'd like to double check the proper wiring sizes. We currently have the Classic wired to the ePanel using 8 gauge wire.
According to this carrying capacity wiring guide, this size wire is appropriate, but I just want to double check. The cables going from the ePanel to the Batteries are the huge 4 aught, it seems a little strange that Classic to ePanel would be 8 gauge.
Let me know if this is an OK setup.
Wire Carrying Capacity:
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
I think the big cables to battery are required for the inverter current which is assuming your inverter is on the E-panel which will be way higher than the 50 amps under big loads?
50X48= about 2500 watts which is not a very big load for most bigger systems. If you pull 5 KW from the batteries we are up in the 100 amp range.
That make sense?
Tom
Don't know if you're using a CL150 or 200 but I would wire it with 4AWG and 80A breakers for further upgrade.
Erik
8 guage is too small. The main reason is you dont want any voltage drop, even one or two tenths of a volt, otherwise this will upset all your voltage setpoints.
4awg is best, or for the rest of world 16mm or 25mm2. 25mm is pretty tricky to get in.
Also check your breaker is speced for the new wire guage.