#12vdc wire size chart how to
#12vdc wire size chart software
#12vdc wire size chart professional

To estimate the maximum battery current the inverter will require to run a piece of equipment or appliance, divide its continuous load wattage requirement by 10. A battery with a reserve minutes rating of 166 has an Ah rating of 49.8. Multiply the reserve minutes rating of the battery by 0.3 to determine the battery approximate Ah rating. This rating typically is marked on the battery along with the 'Cold Cranking Amps' (CCA) rating.

#12vdc wire size chart how to

(Deep cycle marine batteries generally have the highest reserve minute ratings). This article series explains how to estimate the electrical service size (or 'electrical power' or 'service amps') at a building by visual examination of the service entry cables, electric meter and meter base, electrical service panel, main switch, and other details. To calculate the Ah of the battery, first determine its 'reserve minutes' rating. Induction motors may require 2 to 6 times their wattage rating to start up. 22 gauge is only good for signal, like sensors. The more common smaller gauge wires are what you will likely deal with the most. If the power consumption is rated in amps, multiply the number of amps by 120 (AC voltage) to determine the comparable wattage rating. In most cases, this will be 12 gauge, which will service 25 amps for 10-12 feet in length, which is about the right length for a door window to the power source. If not then you should purchase an inverter that has a pure sine wave or true sine wave output. Contact the appliance or equipment manufacturer to determine if the device you are using (TV’s, battery charger, computer, etc.) is compatible with a modified sine wave. If this information is not indicated on the appliance or equipment, check the owner’s manual. Power consumption is rated either in wattage or amperes, and information regarding the required 'watts' or 'amps' generally is stamped or printed on most appliances and equipment. In order to ensure that the capacity of your power inverter is sufficient to meet the required start up load, you must first determine the power consumption of the equipment or appliance you plan to operate. This lower power requirement is referred to as the 'continuous load.' This power surge is referred to as the 'starting load' or 'peak load.' (By comparison, electrical devices such as standard light bulbs do not require a large starting load.) Once the equipment or appliance has been powered up, it settles down to a slower pace and requires far less electrical power to operate.

#12vdc wire size chart professional

Any wire size or circuit protection tentatively selected with this tool should be reviewed for adequacy, before installation, by a professional applying the applicable industry standards.īlue Sea Systems expressly disclaims responsibility for any use of this calculator that results in inadequate wire size or circuit protection.Power equipment and appliances which operate with motors or tubes require an initial surge of power to get them up and running. Under no circumstances should this calculator be used as the sole basis for selecting wire size or circuit protection. This calculator is not a substitute for the expertise of a marine electrical professional.

#12vdc wire size chart software

Such variables may include overloads (such as changing the size of light bulbs or adding additional loads to circuits), wiring errors (such as loose connections or poor crimps), heated terminations (such as motor terminals, heating appliances, or lighting fixtures), data input errors, unusual environmental heat sources, and inadequate or defective wire insulation, software defects, and/or malfunctions of a browser or server computer. This calculator does not account for all possible variables and factors relevant to the selection of wire size and circuit protection. This tool is a prototype, and may contain errors of entry or calculation. This calculator is based in part on the ABYC’s tables and standards contained in E-11 “AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats,” but it is not intended to be a substitute for calculations based directly on these or other industry standards that may apply.

Blue Sea Systems makes no representation or warranty that this calculator will be suitable to address your particular situation or requirements.īlue Sea Systems has developed this calculator for use only by individuals having the appropriate working knowledge and understanding of marine electrical systems. The final decision on wire and circuit protection should come after a review based on additional sources, such as the ABYC standards or one of the many books in the field.Īll marine electrical systems present a risk of fire and other hazards.

We think this tool will be helpful to personnel of all skill levels to quickly perform calculations and eliminate many unsuitable choices.