Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-17-2008, 09:21 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
tkendall's Avatar
 
1976 31' Sovereign
Anytown USA , The open road.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 52
Images: 10
Wire Size Help

The question has been asked and debated in some other thread. Here is a simple way to figure your wire size needed in your remodel or repair project.

This will work finding the correct wire size for any voltage, length, or amperage flow in any AC or DC circuit.

The idea is to keep your wires from getting hot. Hot wires can lead to melted wires or a fire.

This formula does not give you your wire size, but the VDI number (Voltage Drop Index)

Calculate VDI:

VDI = AMPS X FEET divided by (%VOLT DROP X VOLTAGE)

Amp = watts divided by volts

Feet = one way wire length

% of voltage drop = Percent of drop acceptable for the circuit (2-5%)

Determine the apporiate wire size from the chart below.

Take the VDI number you calculated and find in the chart. The follow that line to the AWG wire size.

Make sure your circuit amperage does not exceed the figure in the Ampacity column for the wire size. (not a big problem with low-voltage circuits.)


(will post chart when I can get it to show up here)


Now, take in consideration that your amp draw at any one time isn't going to be that high. If you use the total amp output of a 45 amp converter your going to have monster wire. You need to know what your appliance uses in amps. For example, you are figuring your fridge. Mine uses 1.5 amps at 12 volts for controls and such, running on propane. Your largest use on the DC side will be you converter/charger, charging your battery when plugged into shore power. Your cables will be larger going to your battery than any other wire.

Always fuse everything! Never use a higher fuse rating than recommended!

Sample amp draw DC appliances: (these are aprox. always check to be sure)

3-way fridge: 1.5-5 amps
Furnace motor: 7 amps
Water Pump: 4-7 amps
Lights: usually marked in watts. watts x volts = amps
Radio: 1-3 amps

Good wiring!
__________________
Genuis has limitations, stupidity has none.
tkendall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2008, 10:58 AM   #2
2 Rivet Member
 
1966 24' Tradewind
Valley Village , California
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by tkendall
(will post chart when I can get it to show up here)
I would love to see that chart... when you get a minute...
amalgamator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2008, 11:44 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
Dwight's Avatar
 
1999 34' Excella
Joshua , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 548
Images: 2
You can also do a Google search for "wire size calculator" and find several on-line.
__________________
History doesn't repeat itself, people do!
Dwight is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wire Size, To Converter Dan Clayton Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 8 06-28-2007 10:22 PM
12v wire size dmaiden Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 7 12-13-2006 11:40 AM
This wire doesn't look right? LI Pets Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 10 09-02-2006 07:37 AM
What size breaker for 8 gauge wire? guy99 Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 7 11-20-2005 12:24 PM
Twin Size Size Over59 Upholstery, Blinds, Walls & Interior Finishes 5 08-20-2004 10:18 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:16 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.