I just installed a Classic 150 in my RV and would like to
Use at least 1(00) or even 2(00) cable to connect the
Classic 150 to the battery bank. I'm presently using 4-ga
Cable which seems to be the largest wire the Classic will
Accept...When the controller is rocking and rolling around
70 amps and up... The 4-ga cable gets slightly warm but
Nowhere near HOT...
My question is... If I can run the 7ft or so to the batteries
With larger ga cable...would that cure the
Heat issue?
Does the wire get warm along it's whole length or just near the terminals ? 4 ga should be good for 85A, 2ga good for 115A
Is this solid or stranded wire ?
To use larger, you have to use a short 4ga stub to the terminals, and then a split bolt splice to a larger ga wire
The industry standard practice is to run 4 awg to the disconnect, which is only 8 inchs or so to one side. Then higher gauge from the main bus to the battery as needed.
yes the midnite classic has very small terminals, i think max diameter is for 25mm2 wire. i used 50mm2 cable between the midnite and busbar. i had to crimp a reducing wire with an elbow to the 50mm2 wire.
i can tell that positive 50mm2 wire gets quite warm, even hot, when running at 96amps. i measured up to 52degrees celsius. so i leave the fuse box open to help cool down that cable. to the battery and the inverter wires i do not feel any warmth, however the current is split up between them.
yes and i wished they would either larger terminals or terminals for lugs.
i am aware the 12volt battery system is not optimal for several reasons.
I agree with Zoneblue you should have 4 AWG from the classic to your fused disconnect or circuit break located near the classic then you can come off the disconnect/circuit breaker with larger gauge wire to mitigate voltage loss in long runs.
Thank you all for your input on the output side of the Classic to the Battery Bank...
I took your suggestions and only ran about one foot of #4-AWG to distribution Hubs
where I connected with 2/(00)...The load calculator now says I'm less than .05% for
7ft run...I had 82 amps running through it today...The #4 Ga cable got only Very slightly
warm to the Hub, and the 2/(00) cable which is over 6ft long stayed quite cool to the touch
I'm pleased with the result now!
Thanks!
Solar Trucker
Recheck all your torques after a day or so. I find they can be tightened back up to the torque , If not they will be next to have a hot spot.
If this is a Truck , do it again in a month since vibration is a pain.
VT