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The fuse isn't for normal usage; it's for abnormal usage. So, don't think of it as 500w. Think of it as a short from a wrench getting dropped across two wires and welding itself in place so it can't be removed. That's what happens when Scotty yells...She's gonna blow!...I know I need a fuse between the batteries and the inverter, but is it critical if I'm only using 500w or so? ...
I used some flexible 4 gauge jumper cables. Thin strand, super flexible. I use the clamp end as connectors for a spare battery.yeah, they do make "extra-flexible" battery cables, never used them though.
How'd they work out? Any unexpected gotchas?I used some flexible 4 gauge jumper cables. Thin strand, super flexible. I use the clamp end as connectors for a spare battery.
Worked fine. I like to solder my connections instead of crimp, and the insulation started to melt as I heated it with the torch (cheap coating), but it all gets covered up with shrink tubing anyway.How'd they work out? Any unexpected gotchas?
Well, 12VDC x 300A = 3600W. If you surge beyond 3600W, chances are it will pop. Size the fuse for your MAX amps draw. If you surge to 4000W, the fuse should be no less than 333A, plus fudge factor, so 350A. If you size to the maximum possible surge of 6000W, that's 500A plus fudge, as you have stated.I selected the 300 amp fuse based on the rated input for the inverter. Should I go bigger to cover surge wattage up to 6,000 watts (500 amps)?
There's nothing to stop you from running more than one wire, double it up if needed. Lower cost, easier to manipulate. 2 wires each carrying 250A each is still 500A. Just need 2 fuses, one on each wire.Seems like it should be 500a if I want to use all of the inverter, and according to the charts I'm looking at, I still need 4/0 wire at that amperage and it may not even be enough?
BTW folks, this also works for wiring from the panel to the SCC. Running 3 pairs of 12 gauge wire can handle 60 amps, that's 1440W at 24VDC, 720W at 12VDC. Just need to use a couple of small buss bars on each end.There's nothing to stop you from running more than one wire, double it up if needed. Lower cost, easier to manipulate. 2 wires each carrying 250A each is still 500A. Just need 2 fuses, one on each wire.
No, the sigh was me realizing I had more work to do ;-) There's more verbiage on the bottom of the wiring page in the Beginner's Corner now (although Rider might be cursing me).I guess by the "sigh", I made a rookie mistake.
Usually breakers/fuses won't trip on surges as they are very short durations. General rule of thumb is to upsize 125% of expected current.Seems like it should be 500a if I want to use all of the inverter, and according to the charts I'm looking at, I still need 4/0 wire at that amperage and it may not even be enough?
About what? I don't see anything I'd question...No, the sigh was me realizing I had more work to do ;-) There's more verbiage on the bottom of the wiring page in the Beginner's Corner now (although Rider might be cursing me).
I'm not saying it's logical... but it was the bit on wire bendingView attachment 213 About what? I don't see anything I'd question...
Oh, you didn't like my pretzel wire? lol.I'm not saying it's logical... but it was the bit on wire bending
If it makes you feel better, there are no bends less than 100* when installed and in operation, and the wire size is over-rated for my current draw, although cheap 4 gauge may not actually be 4 gauge. Happy?My OCDness really want's all the bends at 90 degrees, Physics & NEC regulations can sometimes make you want to
But the pretzel likeness is a nice testimony to it's flexibility.