12v: will a short section of 16 gauge cause problems?

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DIYer101

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Hi,

I'm working on a small 12v project: 90 watt solar panel.

Most of the wire from the panel is 10-12 gauge. However, I might need to use a short section of 16 gauge (maybe 1-2 feet at most) so I can fit the wire through a small hole. Do you think that will that cause a noticeable loss of current or voltage?

The entire run is about 30 feet. Again, it's a 12v battery (with charge controller), the panel is a 90 watt that puts out up to 20ish volts and maybe 6 amps.

Thank you!
 

DonL

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It will only be noticeable if you measure it.

Should work fine.
 

DIYer101

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All good to know, thank you.

The other thing I forgot to ask about is safety - is the thing going to get hot and burn? Based on Reach4's comment and the chart, it looks like the answer is "probably not."
 

Jadnashua

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Power = current * voltage...a 0.1v drop *6A is 0.6W across the smaller section of wire. I doubt you'd notice, but yes, it will be warmer than the rest of the wire.
 

DonL

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All good to know, thank you.

The other thing I forgot to ask about is safety - is the thing going to get hot and burn? Based on Reach4's comment and the chart, it looks like the answer is "probably not."


You should have a Fuse, Rated lower than the wire can carry, and close to what your Solar cell can really put out + 50% Max.

10 Amp FB would be good.
 
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