Inverter Cable Gauge Question

[JAS]

Hey all,

So I want to use Anderson SB175 quick connects for making my battery mobile between home and our off-grid cabin. (Side note: I've also been eying the BigBattery 170AH power block as well, which also uses SB175).

It appears that the largest cable that connector supports is 2 Gauge (at least pre-made cables by BatteryCablesUS). My Inverter is a 1000W (2000W surge). Is a 2 Gauge cable ok to go about 8' (distance from Inverter to battery location)?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[snoobler]

Depends on wire gauge, voltage, current and distance. Judge for yourself by inputting those parameters here:

Voltage Drop Calculator

This free voltage drop calculator estimates the voltage drop of an electrical circuit based on the wire size, distance, and anticipated load current.

www.calculator.net

The voltage drop % is equivalent to a % power loss. Lower is better. When voltage drop is subject to the electric code, 5% max is acceptable.

 

[JAS]

Thanks Snoobler,

According to that calculator, I'm around 3% drop at 8'

 

[MichaelK]

The smallest gauge of wire that I'm now using is 3/0. I prefer 4/0. I make my own connectors for it with 1/2" copper pipe where I solder the wire in one end, and flatten the other end for bolt tightening.

 

[mattleonard]

SB175's are commonly found/made with 1/0 cable. They do make a 2/0 option as well, just harder to find pre-made so you'll likely have to crimp yourself (which is easy)

I have a similar modular setup to what you describe - with multiple 24v battery banks using SB175's for portability and no-tool-required connections.

-Matt

 

[JAS]

So I looked a little harder and did indeed find 1/0 pre-made cables. However, after seeing the price of those (@ $100), I think I'll find a way to keep the inverter closer to the battery

 

[mattleonard]

Look on Ebay - I've ordered some pre-made ones for much, much cheaper. Depends on the length (copper ain't cheap) - but I paid closer to $25 with free shipping for some 1' and 2' cables.

 

[JAS]

Look on Ebay - I've ordered some pre-made ones for much, much cheaper. Depends on the length (copper ain't cheap) - but I paid closer to $25 with free shipping for some 1' and 2' cables.

Yes, the prices I found for around $100 were for 8' cables...

 

[Zil]

My calculator shows at 8 feet, 16 feet round trip, you need AWG-0. You could get by with AWG-2 at 5 feet or less oneway.

 

[JoeHam]

Since this is a DIY forum consider making your own ?

Up to 1/0 pins and shells here:

Anderson Powerpole Kit SB175 Quick Connect Forklift Battery Plug | eBay

b.

www.ebay.com