Dave in AZ
Solar Enthusiast
Looking to get clarification on what wire to use for 12v loads, <= 10 Amps, in a popup truck camper. Can I use copper clad aluminum (it's almost all I can find). Trying to fit 3 or 4 circuit runs along camper walls, so smaller is better where able. In past I didn't worry much, but having read all Will's stuff, might as well be sure new truck wiring is perfect.p
Maximum distance is 12ft, so 24ft length. This would be for:
LED lights , 55w, 5A.
2 small fan computer 48w, 4A
USB sockets 56w, 5A
All these are non-critical where 10% drop wouldn't really matter, I think? It seems 16awg would be ok for these up to 50ft?
Diesel heater, 120w 12A-- will run 10awg on 15A fuse for this to ensure good voltage.
12v electric blanket, 120w 10A. Will run 10awg to this.
DC amperage charts show:
5A: 16awg 0-15ft 3% voltage drop, 50ft 10% drop.
5A: 14awg 20 ft 3% voltage drop, <65ft 10% drop.
10A: 16awg 0-6ft 3% voltage drop, <20ft 10% drop.
10A: 14awg 0-10ft 3% voltage drop, <30ft 10% drop
20A:14awg 0-6ft 3% voltage drop, <20ft 10% drop.
Will stresses copper, but it is very hard to find pure copper in 14 awg and 16awg. His links are actually Copper Clad Aluminum when you select off the 10awg down to 14 or 16awg.
Does it really matter for these small loads? Or is CCA ok for these? Does 10% voltage drop from 12.8 matter for LED, usb, or fan?
Maximum distance is 12ft, so 24ft length. This would be for:
LED lights , 55w, 5A.
2 small fan computer 48w, 4A
USB sockets 56w, 5A
All these are non-critical where 10% drop wouldn't really matter, I think? It seems 16awg would be ok for these up to 50ft?
Diesel heater, 120w 12A-- will run 10awg on 15A fuse for this to ensure good voltage.
12v electric blanket, 120w 10A. Will run 10awg to this.
DC amperage charts show:
5A: 16awg 0-15ft 3% voltage drop, 50ft 10% drop.
5A: 14awg 20 ft 3% voltage drop, <65ft 10% drop.
10A: 16awg 0-6ft 3% voltage drop, <20ft 10% drop.
10A: 14awg 0-10ft 3% voltage drop, <30ft 10% drop
20A:14awg 0-6ft 3% voltage drop, <20ft 10% drop.
Will stresses copper, but it is very hard to find pure copper in 14 awg and 16awg. His links are actually Copper Clad Aluminum when you select off the 10awg down to 14 or 16awg.
Does it really matter for these small loads? Or is CCA ok for these? Does 10% voltage drop from 12.8 matter for LED, usb, or fan?