[rhino56]

Originally Posted by Jon_k

The book says use #12AWG wire if the power source connection is 4 ft or less. For longer cable lengths use #8 AWG wire for lengths to 10 feet. It says in either case, protect the positive wire from shorts by putting a 50-75 amp fuse/breaker as close as possible to the battery terminal.

I think I'll go by the guides AWG suggestions, I'll be using the #8 AWG "for lengths up to 10ft" because my stretch is probably going to run 7-9ft from the battery to the inverter.

You were right on target for the 75 amp fuse. I'll go for the 75 amp, as long as you have a fuse that's not rated (TOO) high, it should be safe.

How can I put a fuse in the circuit? I'd say cut half a foot of cable for battery to fuse, and then the rest of the cable can go from fuse to the inverter. How will I secure the fuse to the cable though? I was thinking of using one of those "car fuses" type of fuse, but I'd need a socket or something to insert the fuse in to (or I could solder it to the wire, perhaps)

Also, is the larger the AWGuage the thinner the wire gets? E.G. Would 0AWG be the thickest cable you could get?

I also think I'll return the inverter I have if I can find one that has "screw mounts" cause, after all, I'd like to be able to drill a hole and mount it to the metal of the truck so it doesn't slide around. (This one doesn't have holes or a way to mount it, it has this handle thing on it. It was designed for portable use I believe, and I don't want to try and retro fit it to be mountable)

As for the cabling, yeah, I'll be getting 8AWG, and I may (or may not) use the 600v cable to run the 110 from the inverter to the dash. Perhaps I could use a heavy duty extension cord or something instead.

Anyways,
Thanks!
--
Jon

14 awg thinner
12 awg thicker
2 awg very thick
0 awg thickest
00awg thicker than thickest
000awg fat as a python
yeah i was just sayiong use the 2 awg to be the safest. with 12 volts the amps are always really high. the thicker the wire the less resistance you'll have.

resistance =heat

i would still recommend going above what they recommend anyways, like a 4awg so if you ever decide to get a larger unit you wont have to upgrade the wire. 4 awg isnt real thick at all, and it will also help the amount of power the inverter receives.

a distribution block is a nice way to go for a fuse, remember youll be using high amp and dont want to have a weak connection that will cause resistance.

here is one on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=50550&rd=1
the extension cord idea is perfect for the plugs, it gives a double sheathing protection and very flexible to work with.
i wish i would have thought of that at the time.

if you do mount it on the floor keep the carpet clean so debris doesnt go inside the unit, grass clippings, french fries, jewelry.

sounds like you got a great plan