Cable question

[rambler]

Do you have your battery's yet, and what size are they.? Cook top?... I am thinking that is going to be too much. Do you have propane available in the house.? This is what we do, when running on the 5kw generator. We cook on the downstairs stove which is propane..
James K0UA

Yea, I think the input and the output are not going to match up well..... But it sounds like a good learning experience and build from there.

As you hook more batteries together in parrallel the wires need to get fatter & fatter. You really ned to spec out the amps and volts you will be running before a person can say how big a wire you need. I think that wire will likely deal with the components you have today; but if you ever get to using the full inverter power you might need to rewire....

--->Paul

 

[yelbike]

Thats copper for sure. I would guess about 6 or 8 awg. Not much larger though. you can use it but install at least one fuse between the battery and inverter, no more than 100 time delay fuse. That allows for a little surge if you use a saw or something.

Have you bought batteries yet? Look into train (rail cars) batteries. They're huge, good capacity, a little heavy. But they last 20 years. Well worth the investment.

 

[yelbike]

If use train batteries, make absolutely sure to use fuses. The fault current massive.

 

[gcp]

I already have a couple of new Walmart deep cycle 12V batteries but I was planning on purchasing golf cart 6 volters and wire them in series, I've been told they are more efficient and will last longer, albeight more expensive.

I am heading to Mass this AM so can we pick this back up on Friday? In the mean time I'll look into train batteries. Wonderfull suggestions you've provided, thank you very much!! :thumbsup

I just downloaded the android app and it works, we can stay talking while I'm on the go. My other limitation is portability, I'd prefer to move the system around to my two unpowered sheds but the more I think about it the more permenance makes sense. Which means at least one more solar system for my conex to trickle charge equipment.

 

[k0ua]

Guys that stranded wire is "tinned" it is copper wire with a coating of a lead/tin mixture to help prevent corrosion. It is tarnished where we are viewing it in the photo, but when he cuts it back it will not appear copper colored, it will appear a white or silvery color. It will solder very well as it is already tinned.

James K0UA

 

[gcp]

tinned makes sense, and the portion of wire depicted is fresh, I cut the insulation off of it yesterday. Glad to hear it'll solder well, and I can always double it up for attaining heavier gauge if need be.

 

[yelbike]

If you run them in parallel, make they are the SAME length, or the shorter one could over heat.

 

[gcp]

Absolutely the same length :thumbsup: I plan to insert 2 sets of cables into the same connector per pole. I am also going to order two 400amp slowblow fuses because this particular inverter has 2 sets of 12V inputs. Not that I expect to tax it to the max wattage but why not be prepared, just in case.

 

[yelbike]

The problem with that size fuse is only the inverter and against fault current. The smallest useable is more desirable. it provides more protection.

 

[Swiftriver]

Don't know if you will be anywhere near them while you are in Mass., but New England Solar is in Worthington. The New England Solar Electric Web Site They have all the parts and information you will need. I would think twice about using solar as a grid backup. Batterys are not cheap and will only last 10 years if they are used correctly. For the amount of time grid power is down you would be better off with the generator.