WalkaboutTed
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2016
- Messages
- 910
- Reaction score
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Once again, I have a question for which I can not find a set answer.
Here it is:
I'm wiring up the new 30 amp charge controller. I'll be using the entire 30 amps at full solar output (ideally). I'll be having the solar power coming in from two different wires from the two different panels as i'm adding the new 165 watt panel on to the pre-existing system. I'm taking each panel's wire (10gauge) and connecting together, going into one of those big marine on/off switches.
It's 6 feet from my charge controller to the batteries. From what I've read, 10 gauge wire for the system will do. I would like a smaller gauge wire for safety (paramount) and minimum voltage drop (not as important). I want at least 8 gauge wire. But, the tap into the charge controller is tiny and I can't find an 8 gauge ring terminal to fit inside and connect.
So, please help me with the questions:
1) will 10 gauge work and be safe? That would be the best, but I'm ambivalent.
2) if above won't work, where can I get teeny ring terminals for 8 gauge wire?
3) as an alternate, could i splice together two 10 gauge wires going into and out of the charge controller, so I have a nice fat wire, effectively making it 7 gauge (per this site:
https://www.wirebarn.com/combined-wire-gauge-calculator_ep_42.html. )
4) if I splice the wires together, if it's a good idea, will t-tap splice connector work? I don't have a the tools to solder wires, nor do I want to go out and buy them for 4 connections (for the same reason I don't want to buy the expensive crimpers for Anderson Power poles-we're running out of money).
If I'm missing part of the equation, please fill me in. Thank you once again,
Ted
Here it is:
I'm wiring up the new 30 amp charge controller. I'll be using the entire 30 amps at full solar output (ideally). I'll be having the solar power coming in from two different wires from the two different panels as i'm adding the new 165 watt panel on to the pre-existing system. I'm taking each panel's wire (10gauge) and connecting together, going into one of those big marine on/off switches.
It's 6 feet from my charge controller to the batteries. From what I've read, 10 gauge wire for the system will do. I would like a smaller gauge wire for safety (paramount) and minimum voltage drop (not as important). I want at least 8 gauge wire. But, the tap into the charge controller is tiny and I can't find an 8 gauge ring terminal to fit inside and connect.
So, please help me with the questions:
1) will 10 gauge work and be safe? That would be the best, but I'm ambivalent.
2) if above won't work, where can I get teeny ring terminals for 8 gauge wire?
3) as an alternate, could i splice together two 10 gauge wires going into and out of the charge controller, so I have a nice fat wire, effectively making it 7 gauge (per this site:
https://www.wirebarn.com/combined-wire-gauge-calculator_ep_42.html. )
4) if I splice the wires together, if it's a good idea, will t-tap splice connector work? I don't have a the tools to solder wires, nor do I want to go out and buy them for 4 connections (for the same reason I don't want to buy the expensive crimpers for Anderson Power poles-we're running out of money).
If I'm missing part of the equation, please fill me in. Thank you once again,
Ted