do I really need 1gauge wire for my inverter???

[mdf1576]

seems like overkill to me, its only 1700 watts peak. Plus it says use a fuse. what are yall using? I had it for couple weeks now, dying to install it. TIA mike

[Malaki86]

Yup - you need 1guage - plus the fuse.

[Blind Driver]

The fuse must be close to the batteries for best protection. If the cable should chaf, it'll heat up and could burn down the truck. Is this a company truck? Better let the shop install it.

[mdf1576]

ok thanks, yes its a company truck we are alowed to have them. It will never get done if I ask the shop to do it. They dont even want to do their jobs, much less something extra. they're sorry. So i'll be doing it. Plus they want you to pay them.

[steelhauler2007]

I would still let the shop do it. If anything goes wrong and you installed it.The company will nail you for it. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Ian Williams]

YES YOU NEED THE CORRECT WIRE SIZE!

If the electrical code calls for X size, you need X. You are asking for a fire if you try and cut corners here.

Only 1700 watts is 141amps @ 12 volts or 71amps @ 24volts. That is at 100% conversion efficiency, some of the cheapie inverters are as low at 80%. Plus if you have an inverter that puts out a ugly "mayan temple" wave form versus a true sinewave the amp draw will increase with certain loads.

As you decrease voltage you need much larger wires for a given power rating.

Have your shop or a reputable shop install it.

[Blind Driver]

Also, the longer the wire, the thicker it needs to be. Did you buy the wiring kit yet? They ain't cheap.

[mdf1576]

no Im gonna go to a welding shop and buy the wire buy the foot. It can be no longer than 6 feet.

[Blind Driver]

You're gonna need more then just 1ga cable

[Skywalker]

The gage of the cable is determined by the length of the run X 2. This is determined by the amperage load at maximum draw. There is a rule for this but since I can't remember it....I won't try it.

If you live near a West Marine or BOAT/US store, go there and tell them you need to install an inverter...in a boat. Tell them the wattage of the inverter and the distance from the batteries to the inverter. If the inverter will be 6 feet from the batteries, then the run is 12 feet. They can sell you the correct cable. It will be marine grade and stand up to abuse. You want to use marine grade because it contains "fine" strands and will not be subject to vibration shearing. Also, use heat shrink connectors. They can sell you the heavy duty fuse/fuse link as well. Don't use just any cable....it will lead to problems later.

Or call their 800# that is on the page at this link and speak with a product advisor: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...atalogId=10001

[Ian Williams]

Another good source for battery cables will be any Renewable Energy installer. Large battery banks coupled to solar modules, wind turbines and/or generators are the norm if you live off the power grid. They often buy them in larger quantities and get a better price.

You can use this site to find Renewable Energy professionals:
http://www.nabcep.org/map.cfm?normalFlag=yes

NABCEP is like ASE for Renewable Energy.

[tag along]

I have a 1500 watt, and I have been using 4 guage strand and a 80 amp car amp fuse. Each cable is 8 foot long and I have no trouble.

[samael9]

I have a 1500 watt, and I have been using 4 guage strand and a 80 amp car amp fuse. Each cable is 8 foot long and I have no trouble.

Another potential source for good information and installation assistance would be a high end car stereo place. With all the current that those hideous boom, boom, hiss systems use, there certainly must be some electrical guru who can help you.... 8)

Me personally: I have a 1500w Cobra which I intend to install shortly. I am going to mount it as close to the battery box as possible, perhaps right behind the driver's seat. Then, I'll run the "house current" wiring to outlets back in the bunk area.

[rustylugzz]

Only 1700 watts is 141amps
um yea i dont think this formula is correct if it was youd need 000 gauge to run your microwave oven better recheck your formula