Which wire material

[vanlifeunlimited]

Hi
I’am having trouble figuring out which wire / cable material that is best for a classic 12v 400w campervan system.
What are you using and why? Tinned copper, pure copper, or some good other stuff??

best regards.

 

[Johno1066]

I would take a look at West marine for duplex and triplex marine tinned copper cable. There are other suppliers but mostly wholesale by 100 ft rolls.

 

[HRTKD]

For an RV you don't need tinned copper. That doesn't mean you can't use it.

Many of us are using welding cable. It's easy to route through cramped RV spaces. You can find the specs for the welding cable that I used in the link below.

TEMCo WC0001 Welding Cable - 2/0 AWG 5 ft - Black

temcoindustrial.com

 

[Johno1066]

You dont need tinned copper wire , but I would recommend it for sure. The Marine grade of cable will be well suited for use on a vehicle as well. For the 12 volt supply to the inverter I would also recommend the marine cable , a little more expensive but will be there for the long term.

 

[Johno1066]

Actually the 400 watt system will draw around 35 amps and #4 cable will probably do the supply from the battery to the inverter, if it is a long run #2 could be used. Probably cheaper than the welding cable foot for foot.

 

[dcg9381]

Welding cable is what I'm using.