Keystone RV Forums - View Single Post

danf · 01-13-2020, 03:07 PM

IMO, don't use 14 gauge with 12v dc system. Looks like drop will be .29v over 10 feet at 12v and 5.8a. Kinda surprised the controller would spec out 14 gauge. This may help https://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html IMO, I wouldn't use anything smaller then #10.

Depending on what you have for a panel and the type of charge controller, it's possible the battery will see greater than 5.8a at times. If it's a standard "12v" panel and a PWM controller then probably not, but if the panel is greater voltage and you have an MPPT controller, you will.

If you go with bigger wire, you may not have to replace it if you decide to add panels.

01-13-2020, 03:07 PM	#7
danf Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: seattle Posts: 68	IMO, don't use 14 gauge with 12v dc system. Looks like drop will be .29v over 10 feet at 12v and 5.8a. Kinda surprised the controller would spec out 14 gauge. This may help https://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html IMO, I wouldn't use anything smaller then #10. Depending on what you have for a panel and the type of charge controller, it's possible the battery will see greater than 5.8a at times. If it's a standard "12v" panel and a PWM controller then probably not, but if the panel is greater voltage and you have an MPPT controller, you will. If you go with bigger wire, you may not have to replace it if you decide to add panels.