Wire Gauge

[75thRanger]

I have the ETI installed GoPower Solar Controller and 190 panel. Anyone know what size the panel to controller cable is? Looks like about a 6 AWG, maybe a 4. Never was very good at guessing wire size and I can't find my old wire size gauge.

Reason I ask is I'm putting a Blue Seas breaker/switch in to disconnect the panel if the need comes up.

[Brian B-P]

According to the spec sheet, a genuine MC-4 connector cannot accommodate heavier than 8 gauge; I think 10 gauge is commonly used. Of course there are other brands of similar connectors and any particular trailer may not use any of this style of connector, but to me 6 gauge or even heavier would be very surprising.

Isn't there anything printed on the cable insulation?

[75thRanger]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

According to the spec sheet, a genuine MC-4 connector cannot accommodate heavier than 8 gauge; I think 10 gauge is commonly used. Of course there are other brands of similar connectors and any particular trailer may not use any of this style of connector, but to me 6 gauge or even heavier would be very surprising.

Isn't there anything printed on the cable insulation?

I can't see enough of the cable to read it. Very tight in there and not much light. When I'm ready to install the switch i'll have to loosen all up. Tie wraps and clamps. The cables from the controller to the battery look to be 8 or 10AWG and the panel to controller are at least twice their size.

A bit smaller then battery cables

[C&G in FL]

I installed the same breaker/switch and I believe Brian is correct in that the solar wires are 10 AWG. I also installed a Zamp port at the same time and it also uses 10 gauge wire.

[ColoradoSwany]

I had mine prewired for solar and just installed my own system. I was able to read the printing on the Escape wiring and mine is 10 gauge.

[75thRanger]

They sure look bigger. I'll find out when I get the tie wraps and clamps undone so I can see much better. Those cables are really wrapped tight in there.

I'll be doing it next week. I'll come back and pass whatever I learn along.

[ColoradoSwany]

Originally Posted by 75thRanger

They sure look bigger. I'll find out when I get the tie wraps and clamps undone so I can see much better. Those cables are really wrapped tight in there.

I'll be doing it next week. I'll come back and pass whatever I learn along.

My wire stripper did not have a easy time stripping those Escape wires as they have a double coating of insulation. Once stripped, the wire looked just like the 10 gauge I bought from Lensun, but the Lensun wire stripped much easier. I suggest using a heavy duty stripper that can handle 8 or even 6 gauge wire. Mine was rated up to 10 gauge.

[John in Santa Cruz]

The Klein 11053 stripper is very good for larger gauge wires, 6-8-10-12 AWG...

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by 75thRanger

The cables from the controller to the battery look to be 8 or 10AWG and the panel to controller are at least twice their size.

A bit smaller then battery cables

Sounds like thick insulation, and...

Originally Posted by ColoradoSwany

My wire stripper did not have a easy time stripping those Escape wires as they have a double coating of insulation. Once stripped, the wire looked just like the 10 gauge I bought from Lensun...

They presumably have a durable insulation layer for the outdoor application.

[75thRanger]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Sounds like thick insulation, and...


They presumably have a durable insulation layer for the outdoor application.

I went out and removed the panel cable from the controller and it is indeed 10AWG. The insulation will not fit in the sleeve of any standard 10,12AWG connector that I have. When I have everything I need put together to do what I want, I'll decide what to do about that.

Maybe, bevel the edge of the insulation a bit, some of Grannies chest rub on the edge and shove it in the connector.

I don't think with the solar panel wire it would make a difference but I don't want to skin the insulation all the way back to the sleeve opening.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by 75thRanger

I went out and removed the panel cable from the controller and it is indeed 10AWG. The insulation will not fit in the sleeve of any standard 10,12AWG connector that I have.

Are you talking about crimp-on ring terminals? If so, you can use uninsulated terminals (which don't require inserting the insulation into anything) and if desired insulate the barrel of the terminal with heat-shrink tubing.

[75thRanger]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Are you talking about crimp-on ring terminals? If so, you can use uninsulated terminals (which don't require inserting the insulation into anything) and if desired insulate the barrel of the terminal with heat-shrink tubing.

Yes, crimp on type. Hadn't thought of the one you mentioned.

[75thRanger]

Anyone have a pic of where they installed the Blue Seas Breaker/switch for the Solar Panels?

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by 75thRanger

Anyone have a pic of where they installed the Blue Seas Breaker/switch for the Solar Panels?

Here is the Blue Seas type breaker installed in a 2017 21 with the inverter in the bay under the passenger side of th dinette bench:

[75thRanger]

I don't have that much room above the inverter but I think it may barely fit there. I'm thinking velcro.