Kyocera 325w: good choice for the van?

[Luisafernandes]

I would like to thank everyone that contributed to my knowledge of 12v and solar installation. Without your valued help my installation wouldn't have been possible in such short period of time. Thank you!

I do have one more question. It may have been answered before but I can't remember; what gauge should I use to connect the blue Sea fuse box to the battery? The gauge supplied to connect the charge controller and the batteries was 6 gauge. If I use 6 gauge to connect the fuse box will there be a problem? Should I use 8 gauge? Or it doesn't matter?

 

[GotSmart]

As big as you can.  I have 4 gauge for all my battery connections.  But I am a firm believer that there is no over kill when it comes to power safety.

 

[Luisafernandes]

As big as you can.  I have 4 gauge for all my battery connections.  But I am a firm believer that there is no over kill when it comes to power safety.

Cool, thank you!
The wire supplied by NAWS to connect the charge controller to batteries was xlp 6 gauge. Do I need to get the same type or does any 6 gauge (12v) will do?

 

[GotSmart]

Any quality copper stranded will work. Home Depot, Lowes, etc all sell it by the foot. Something that large (gauge) should be made to fit. (Custom clamped ends) A battery store will usually custom make a line or two for not much more money than the wire would cost. I bought a hydraulic tool for clamping wiring ends. I do have a tool addiction I am working on... Figure about $1 or 2 for each end.

 

[highdesertranger]

use a wire gauge to match the rating of the fuse panel. that info should be available on the blue sea web site. highdesertranger

 

[akrvbob]

The problem with fuse boxes is it's all guesswork. You probably won't use all the fuses, and how many of those items would ever be on at once? And how many of them are for ciggy plugs only drawing an amp?

I used 6 gauge on mine just thinking worst case but the reality is that 10 gauge would have been plenty. But, you never know what I'll add in the future so better safe than sorry.
Bob

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I went with 10 awg, should be plenty for what im running thru it. and the short distances involved. My fuse box is right near battery, maybe a foot tops.

 

[Canine]

I used 12 gauge from the panels to the controller and from the controller to the batteries.I only have 300 watts of solar.If I had a bigger array on my camper,I would have gone to 10 gauge.From the batteries to the inverter I used 6 gauge.A bit of overkill,but I don't like wires heating up.