# 6 Gauge wire

[Devo]

I am trying to decide (still) If I have to make the switch to 48 volt yet. Everything I have is 12 volt-if I could get 1 more year I would be happy but If I can't I can't.

I have 2 runs of # 6 Gauge wire about 50 feet Each They splice into 2 seperate runs of # 4 for about another 50 feet to my batteries, I realise I am getting some losses.

What would be the maximum sustained amperage the # 6 can take? I am hitting 80 amps periodically now & the wire seems cool to the touch still would 120 amps be doable on a run of #6 safely? That would give me 200- 250 amps capability at the batteries for this winter.

My windmill puts 20 amps safely on each line of 15 gauge does it work like this? : 15 + 15 =12Gauge + 2 more 15 =9 Gauge + 2 more 15 = 6 Gauge which is 6 15's so 6 x 20(amps)=120 amps    

Devin

[wind pirate]

Max current capacity for 6ga is 125Amps, and the resistance is .01975ohms @50 ft. Max current capacity for #4 wire is 199 Amps and the resistance is .0124 @50 ft.

http://www.wiretron.com - pretty cool little calculator......

If you go from 12V to 48V - since the voltage is increased - the amperage is decreased (by the same factor of 4). So even if you increase the output of your generator by a factor of four (power) to 48V you won't see any increase in amps. If you are seeing 40 Amps at 12V and you switch that to 48V it would only be 10A (at the same power).

If I'm missing the gist of your question, let me know. There are many here that are more qualified to answer than I, so just use this as a guideline, the guru's can give you way more information than I can.

In general I would say that the higher the voltage you are able to go with, the smaller wire you are able to use, with less losses.

WP

[Devo]

Thanks Wind Pirate , that's what I was hoping for. I think I'm good for another year & then if I do go to 48 volt with each run capable of 100 + amps that would handle some serious power

Thanks

Devin