[Mobile-Portable] What Gauge Wire?

[D C *Mac* Macdonald]

I don't have tables readily available and can't confirm
the data below.  HOWEVER, many times the voltage
drop is given for a certain number of Amps in ONE wire.
You have to double that to get the drop in both wires,
plus and minus.
 
As for me, I'd use #6 at the smallest.
 
 
73 - Mac, K2GKK/5
Oklahoma City, OK
 
 
> Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 19:30:06 -0500> From: doc at kd4e.com> To: mobile-portable at mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [Mobile-Portable] What Gauge Wire?> > Thanks, very helpful! Will also save that site!> > Question: What is the result when one parallels two wires?> e.g. If one parallels two #10 wires is the result a current> handling capacity of #8 or #5 or ???> > > > Using the calculator at: http://nooutage.com/vdrop.htm, I calculate a good> > cable would be #8 with just under 1/2 volt drop.> > > > I am assuming you are running about 20 amps with the HF rig, 15 for the VHF> > rig and other accessories mentioned. That gives an estimated current draw> > of about 35 amps. At 12 volts, #8 wire for 8 feet will be about .432 volts> > dropped.> > > > On the other hand, #6 wire will give you a drop of about .276 volts. > > > > On the other side of the equation is # 10 wire with a voltage drop of about> > .7 volts. Since #10 is rated at 30 amps, I suspect you will want at least a> > #8 or larger wire.> > > > I hope this helps. > > > > Buck> > N4PGW> > > > -- > > Thanks! & 73, doc, KD4E> Personal: http://bibleseven.com/kd4e.html> ----> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, mobile-portable-owner at mailman.qth.net