I was having a hard time trying to figure out what size wires to use. I’m so glad I found this video. Now I feel confident in doing my electrical. Thank you so much.
Your videos are exceptional sir. Thank you for all of the informative content that you share on this channel and the thorough lists provided in all of your video descriptions, it's truly helpful and concise.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Hope your Van Build goes well. If your looking for specific information each video is separated by category at thefrugalfactor.com/
Well good golly Ms. Molly!!! The universe sent me to you and you have made what was difficult for me to wrap my head around in this process into a simple process to understand and follow; I think lol. Had to send a shout out. I had a ? but I read your replies and got the answer which was how much of the 2/0 would I need. I will be checking more of your videos out for alternate confirmations. Thank you so much for your expertise. :)
good video can you make video of doing sey up solar going to start 100 watt sorar panel then build it up to 400 and i dont know any thing about solar or wiring
hi, can i savely operate a 24V COB LED strip on 20-22AWG wires? The AC adapter puts out 24V 1,5A. The lenght of the wire is about 2 meter long. Ive cutted 6 pieces of 85 cm The COB Led Strip in paralel connection to it. Is this save or can it be that the wire starts to melt or burn? Thanks
I would use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ I have not used wire smaller than 16AWG, except for connections to the LEDs, of 10cm or less. If the current it too high, for the wire you can melt the wire and possibly start a fire. Be sure to fuse every circuit to protect the wire from over current.
Hi can you help I’m changing my motorhome charge controller to a double one at moment my solar panel just charges my leasure battery I need to know what cable do I need from controller to battery with inline fuse
The wire size depends on the current that it will carry from your charge controller to the battery. Look up the specifications of the charge controller.
Great explanation thankyou .i have recently purchased a van diesel heater.i want to upgrade the wiring loom that comes with the heater as it is Chinese.i have scoured utube but cannot find anything.i have seen that supposedly 12awg will be fine for this .iam running a 240 volt 13amp transformer inside my home to 12 volt outlet.my transformer is 30 amp rated.my 12 volt outlet cable is going to be no longer than 5 ft to the diesel heater .from there to the diesel heater wiring loom .any help or advice please .
I would use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ 30 amps of 12 volts DC, for a 5 foot length according to the calculator that calls for a 12 AWG wire, with a 3% voltage drop. Be sure to watch for any fuel leaks, I have seen many comments that the fuel containers often leak. All the videos divided by category can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/
Awesome video bud. I currently build an econline into a fulltime studio apartment so that i can have a home while doing concrete work out of state(recently homeless due to hurricane). Have plans on running 60 amps solar(realistically 56), 60amps battery to battery charger, and 60 amp shorepower charger to a 400ah battery bank of 4 lithium iron phosphate batteries. Picked up 10awg to run panels to solar charge controller but cant figure out the rest. Thought i would need 6awg for everything but dont want to waste money.(Wallets already tight). Would you please advise me?
Wire size depends on the length of wire and the current it must handle. Wires should be protected from overcurrent with a fuse (or circuit breaker, I like fuses over circuit breakers). To determine wire size use Blue Sea System Circuit Wizard to calculate wire gauge circuitwizard.bluesea.com/# Also, all the videos divided by category can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/
Your using metric measurements, I only know AWG sizes of wire. You will need to find an online conversion tool. Thicker copper wire can be used in place of thinner diameter wire. I use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/# there must be a similar calculator for metric sizing.
Thank You. This is a very popular video. Let me know if you have any other electrical questions. All the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
2 AWG is .2576 inches in diameter, 00 or 2/0 gauge is .3648 in diameter. 2/0 gauge can carry higher current (amperage). There is a link to a wire gauge calculator in the video description.
It does not depend on solar, or Inverter size. It depends on the Current draw and Distance. I always recommend using a wire calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ For my system 2/0 was the correct size.
It depends on the amount of current through the wire. The way I calculate this is by using Blue Sea Systems Circuit Wizard. Use google and it will take you to the Circuit Wizard Calculator. Its possible you might need something larger than 2/0 but that would be a short run from the LI Batteries to the Inverter.
I have been warned about cheap China aluminum coated copper wire coming from Amazon. I like your idea using the 12/3 extension cord in my van build but cannot seem to find if the wire type on the one you recommend is pure copper.
I used this amzn.to/3ZBUaXh Stating it was USA made gave me more confidence. The weight of the cord tells you its copper, not aluminum, and when you cut through it you can tell its the real thing! I used it for all the AC outlets in the van. Thank You for watching!
Depends on the current required and distance. Use the Blue Sea circuit calculator to be sure. There is a link in the video description. 12/2 is often close to the same cost as 14/2. If all you are powering is a few LED's even 14/2 is more then needed.
Nice video, well explained. Question: why not go with 24v system? You can get many if not must dc items in 24v and a step-down converter is cheap and efficient
12 Volt materials are cheaper, and readily available. Also, as you mentioned - no step down converter needed. I look at the space the items take up, the cost, and how easy is it to replace (availability) if I need to replace it in the future.
@@FrugalFactor Advantage of 24v - For any given load, half the DC current and losses are down by ¼. smaller wire i.e cheaper - Better input regulation. 0.5v line drop at 12v = 4.6% supply drop whereas 0.25 v line drop at 24v = 1.04% drop. - Better inverter efficiency and regulation. i.e. Less losses converting to AC. An inverter doesn’t have to work as hard to keep its AC output constant. -24v to 12v converter are cheap- about $20 -big energy hogs are AC -induction cook tops, AC air conditioner, AC water heater, instant pot, hair dry, etc
@@gregnorman3183 I fully understand. I have been an electronics instructor for over 30 years. When you are building yours go with a 24V system it is more efficient. The power system in my van is complete, and is working very well.
@@FrugalFactor Thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to message back. I'm a novice and just trying to learn. I hear on one hand that 24v is better especially for +3000w and running large loads but I see very few going with 24v and just trying to figure out why. I have decided to go with 24v Electrodacus and 280ah battery, and 60 cell solar panels. I will be using DSSR20 relays
Rookie question of the day... I have VERY heavy duty extension cords I was given by a friend and I also have some really thick wire that came from an industrial (paper mill) demolition I was part of. So other than adding unnecessary weight to the build, using wires that are thicker than the normally used for van conversion is OK, regarding safety? Thanks for the video, I'm glad I subscribed!
Wire size is measured in a unit called AWG (American Wire Gauge). You need to size the wire to ensure it can handle the current going through it. Also, the wire must be stranded, not solid. You can always use thicker wire in place of thinner gauge wire. If the wire you have meets those requirements, you are good to go!
At what distance? Current carrying capacity is determined by wire composition (copper, copper clad aluminum), voltage drop, and distance. 12 volts, 103 amps with a length of 8 feet or less, then 6AWG of copper wire is OK. Best to use a calculator like this: circuitwizard.bluesea.com/
Oh my NO. Romex is solid not stranded. Romex is a big No in a marine, or environment with vibration. You can purchase 12-3 marine grade Wire that is not an extension cord. But I choose a quality STJW extension cord instead. Lower cost and provided a layer of molded insulation around the three wires.
12 awg for each appliance? A bit overkill. Maybe for 12v usb sockets yes but for propex heater for example it consumes 1.5a when it runs. Maxair fan maybe around 1a. All my LED lights consume 2a if all turned on. Well I guess better safe than sorry.
Correct better to be safe. Also, easier work with just a few wire gauges. If you monitor the prices it can also be cheaper. Wire prices often fluctuate.
@@FrugalFactor my mate gave me lots of 20 awg wire for free which I used for LED lights, max air fan, propex heater, some other light stuff. All individual fused circuits. For heavier stuff like fridge, pump, 12v sockets, oven (just for spark) I've used 14awg and thicker (for fridge) . Been fine so far but if I'd do it again I prob use thicker just so I have room to expand more lights for example...
You also stated it wrong. The smaller the gauge NUMBER, the larger the diameter of the conductor and the higher current carrying capacity. Example a 22 gauge wire is a very small diameter, and can carry a very small amount of current. A 6 gauge wire can carry more current than a 22 gauge wire. To avoid confusion use Blue Sea Systems circuit wizard to calculate wire gauge. circuitwizard.bluesea.com/#
I was having a hard time trying to figure out what size wires to use. I’m so glad I found this video. Now I feel confident in doing my electrical. Thank you so much.
Liked and thank you. Needed a no nonsense wire size explanation. I have been really afraid of doing it improperly.
Have no fear, just use the wire gauge calculator!
These videos are of the highest quality and detail concerning Van Life. Please keep up the great work!
OMG such a wealth of information plainly and succinctly presented. Carry ON! You are the best!
Your videos are exceptional sir. Thank you for all of the informative content that you share on this channel and the thorough lists provided in all of your video descriptions, it's truly helpful and concise.
I appreciate that!
Thanks very much for this video. It helped me understand this subject.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Hope your Van Build goes well. If your looking for specific information each video is separated by category at thefrugalfactor.com/
Well good golly Ms. Molly!!! The universe sent me to you and you have made what was difficult for me to wrap my head around in this process into a simple process to understand and follow; I think lol. Had to send a shout out. I had a ? but I read your replies and got the answer which was how much of the 2/0 would I need. I will be checking more of your videos out for alternate confirmations. Thank you so much for your expertise. :)
Another great video that is super helpful and concise - thanks for putting it out on the web for all of us.
Thank you very much for making this video. Very informative.
You are welcome!
Nice to find your channel, thanks for the valuable info.
Thanks for watching!
glad I saw this video. very informative.
Thank YOU you comment is highly appreciated.
Very informative and concise
Thank you for your great information
Glad it was helpful!
good video can you make video of doing sey up solar going to start 100 watt sorar panel then build it up to 400 and i dont know any thing about solar or wiring
Thank you, much appreciated.
hi,
can i savely operate a 24V COB LED strip on 20-22AWG wires?
The AC adapter puts out 24V 1,5A.
The lenght of the wire is about 2 meter long. Ive cutted 6 pieces of 85 cm The COB Led Strip in paralel connection to it.
Is this save or can it be that the wire starts to melt or burn?
Thanks
I would use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ I have not used wire smaller than 16AWG, except for connections to the LEDs, of 10cm or less. If the current it too high, for the wire you can melt the wire and possibly start a fire. Be sure to fuse every circuit to protect the wire from over current.
Hi can you help I’m changing my motorhome charge controller to a double one at moment my solar panel just charges my leasure battery I need to know what cable do I need from controller to battery with inline fuse
The wire size depends on the current that it will carry from your charge controller to the battery. Look up the specifications of the charge controller.
Great explanation thankyou .i have recently purchased a van diesel heater.i want to upgrade the wiring loom that comes with the heater as it is Chinese.i have scoured utube but cannot find anything.i have seen that supposedly 12awg will be fine for this .iam running a 240 volt 13amp transformer inside my home to 12 volt outlet.my transformer is 30 amp rated.my 12 volt outlet cable is going to be no longer than 5 ft to the diesel heater .from there to the diesel heater wiring loom .any help or advice please .
I would use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ 30 amps of 12 volts DC, for a 5 foot length according to the calculator that calls for a 12 AWG wire, with a 3% voltage drop. Be sure to watch for any fuel leaks, I have seen many comments that the fuel containers often leak. All the videos divided by category can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/
Awesome video bud. I currently build an econline into a fulltime studio apartment so that i can have a home while doing concrete work out of state(recently homeless due to hurricane). Have plans on running 60 amps solar(realistically 56), 60amps battery to battery charger, and 60 amp shorepower charger to a 400ah battery bank of 4 lithium iron phosphate batteries. Picked up 10awg to run panels to solar charge controller but cant figure out the rest. Thought i would need 6awg for everything but dont want to waste money.(Wallets already tight). Would you please advise me?
Wire size depends on the length of wire and the current it must handle. Wires should be protected from overcurrent with a fuse (or circuit breaker, I like fuses over circuit breakers). To determine wire size use Blue Sea System Circuit Wizard to calculate wire gauge circuitwizard.bluesea.com/# Also, all the videos divided by category can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/
Great video. Thank you
Great info, thanks.
Thank You for the comment. Hope you build goes well 😃
I cried when you cut that cord. I would have researched what length I needed for, like my 45# jackhammer at some point, maybe 15 feet?
Thanks for the comment. At least there are a few people that understand :-)
3x2,5mm2 cable, so can it be used like 6mm2 cable, only 2,5mm2 for negative
Your using metric measurements, I only know AWG sizes of wire. You will need to find an online conversion tool. Thicker copper wire can be used in place of thinner diameter wire. I use this calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/# there must be a similar calculator for metric sizing.
thanks for your help
Thank You. This is a very popular video. Let me know if you have any other electrical questions. All the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
Great video
Thank You. For reference all the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
Is there a difference in
2 0 gage and 2AWG
2 AWG is .2576 inches in diameter, 00 or 2/0 gauge is .3648 in diameter.
2/0 gauge can carry higher current (amperage). There is a link to a wire gauge calculator in the video description.
Is it overkill to use 4/0 AWG for your battery/inverter wires in a 400 watt solar / 2000 watt inverter setup??
It does not depend on solar, or Inverter size. It depends on the Current draw and Distance. I always recommend using a wire calculator circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ For my system 2/0 was the correct size.
Do you ever need 4/0 in a Sprinter van conversion?
It depends on the amount of current through the wire. The way I calculate this is by using Blue Sea Systems Circuit Wizard. Use google and it will take you to the Circuit Wizard Calculator. Its possible you might need something larger than 2/0 but that would be a short run from the LI Batteries to the Inverter.
I have been warned about cheap China aluminum coated copper wire coming from Amazon. I like your idea using the 12/3 extension cord in my van build but cannot seem to find if the wire type on the one you recommend is pure copper.
I used this amzn.to/3ZBUaXh Stating it was USA made gave me more confidence. The weight of the cord tells you its copper, not aluminum, and when you cut through it you can tell its the real thing! I used it for all the AC outlets in the van. Thank You for watching!
Its the cord you see me cutting at 8:20 seconds into the video!
Most Channels I have watched recommended marine 14/2. Is 14 not more than enough for a 12v van system?
Depends on the current required and distance. Use the Blue Sea circuit calculator to be sure. There is a link in the video description. 12/2 is often close to the same cost as 14/2. If all you are powering is a few LED's even 14/2 is more then needed.
Nice video, well explained. Question: why not go with 24v system? You can get many if not must dc items in 24v and a step-down converter is cheap and efficient
12 Volt materials are cheaper, and readily available. Also, as you mentioned - no step down converter needed. I look at the space the items take up, the cost, and how easy is it to replace (availability) if I need to replace it in the future.
@@FrugalFactor
Advantage of 24v
- For any given load, half the DC current and losses are down by ¼. smaller wire i.e cheaper
- Better input regulation. 0.5v line drop at 12v = 4.6% supply drop whereas 0.25 v line drop at 24v = 1.04% drop.
- Better inverter efficiency and regulation. i.e. Less losses converting to AC. An inverter doesn’t have to work as hard to keep its AC output constant.
-24v to 12v converter are cheap- about $20
-big energy hogs are AC -induction cook tops, AC air conditioner, AC water heater, instant pot, hair dry, etc
@@gregnorman3183 I fully understand. I have been an electronics instructor for over 30 years. When you are building yours go with a 24V system it is more efficient. The power system in my van is complete, and is working very well.
@@FrugalFactor Thanks, I appreciate you taking the time to message back. I'm a novice and just trying to learn. I hear on one hand that 24v is better especially for +3000w and running large loads but I see very few going with 24v and just trying to figure out why. I have decided to go with 24v Electrodacus and 280ah battery, and 60 cell solar panels. I will be using DSSR20 relays
Rookie question of the day...
I have VERY heavy duty extension cords I was given by a friend and I also have some really thick wire that came from an industrial (paper mill) demolition I was part of.
So other than adding unnecessary weight to the build, using wires that are thicker than the normally used for van conversion is OK, regarding safety?
Thanks for the video, I'm glad I subscribed!
Wire size is measured in a unit called AWG (American Wire Gauge). You need to size the wire to ensure it can handle the current going through it. Also, the wire must be stranded, not solid. You can always use thicker wire in place of thinner gauge wire. If the wire you have meets those requirements, you are good to go!
Think I'd go with a 48v system.
Could save some weight on wiring alone.
OK, but there is not that much weight in wire. Most items installed run directly on 12V. The weight of fresh water is the greatest !
Explained like a guy that knows his stuff
Funnily enough many self proposed pros can't explain anything with out making your head spin
Thank You! All the videos are divided by category at thefrugalfactor.com/
Did you mean to say 1100 strands for 2/0 size or is your label wrong?
This is a link to the 2/0 I purchased amzn.to/3N3sjd4 It states 1196 stands.
all websites say 6 awg does 103amps
At what distance? Current carrying capacity is determined by wire composition (copper, copper clad aluminum), voltage drop, and distance. 12 volts, 103 amps with a length of 8 feet or less, then 6AWG of copper wire is OK. Best to use a calculator like this: circuitwizard.bluesea.com/
Best
Why having extension cord when you could wire your van with Romex at the first place? Extension cords in a van is a sign go a lack of design
Oh my NO. Romex is solid not stranded. Romex is a big No in a marine, or environment with vibration. You can purchase 12-3 marine grade Wire that is not an extension cord. But I choose a quality STJW extension cord instead. Lower cost and provided a layer of molded insulation around the three wires.
12 awg for each appliance? A bit overkill. Maybe for 12v usb sockets yes but for propex heater for example it consumes 1.5a when it runs. Maxair fan maybe around 1a. All my LED lights consume 2a if all turned on. Well I guess better safe than sorry.
Correct better to be safe. Also, easier work with just a few wire gauges. If you monitor the prices it can also be cheaper. Wire prices often fluctuate.
@@FrugalFactor my mate gave me lots of 20 awg wire for free which I used for LED lights, max air fan, propex heater, some other light stuff. All individual fused circuits. For heavier stuff like fridge, pump, 12v sockets, oven (just for spark) I've used 14awg and thicker (for fridge) . Been fine so far but if I'd do it again I prob use thicker just so I have room to expand more lights for example...
You have said it wrong " Smaller the gauge the wire less current it can handle ". A 6 gauge wire can handle more current than a 10 gauge.
You also stated it wrong. The smaller the gauge NUMBER, the larger the diameter of the conductor and the higher current carrying capacity. Example a 22 gauge wire is a very small diameter, and can carry a very small amount of current. A 6 gauge wire can carry more current than a 22 gauge wire. To avoid confusion use Blue Sea Systems circuit wizard to calculate wire gauge. circuitwizard.bluesea.com/#
Thank you this was very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!