I've an auxiliary alternator coming from Nations for my E450 chassis, it will be dedicated to charging my 4x200AHLifeblue lithium bank. Controlled by a Wakespeed, but it won't be tied into a BMS.
Perhaps I should have researched it more, but I blindly went ahead and ordered up 2/0 cable for the alternator to busbar connection. Per Nations, they said 2/0 was fine up to a 20' run, anything longer they would suggest 4/0. My run is 15' at most, probably closer to 10'.
In looking at some wiring charts, it appears 2/0 is only good up to 190A. Yes, ignorance no doubt showing here - but how can that be acceptable for an alternator that can put out 280A? Yes, I do realize that's its rated maximum, and I've no clue what real world throughput I'll see from it under various SOC and engine RPM's.
I don't mind paying extra for 4/0, but it would certainly make the installation more difficult in my case. Wire routing is tight, and 2/0 would be much easier to install.
Perhaps I should have researched it more, but I blindly went ahead and ordered up 2/0 cable for the alternator to busbar connection. Per Nations, they said 2/0 was fine up to a 20' run, anything longer they would suggest 4/0. My run is 15' at most, probably closer to 10'.
In looking at some wiring charts, it appears 2/0 is only good up to 190A. Yes, ignorance no doubt showing here - but how can that be acceptable for an alternator that can put out 280A? Yes, I do realize that's its rated maximum, and I've no clue what real world throughput I'll see from it under various SOC and engine RPM's.
I don't mind paying extra for 4/0, but it would certainly make the installation more difficult in my case. Wire routing is tight, and 2/0 would be much easier to install.