50 amp cable size

[halfprice]

So I'm new to 50 amp. I've always thought 50 amp is 6 guage wire. Google search confirms this.

Im getting ready to install a progressive ind ems surge protector. I bought 6 guage cable from home depot and it's a lot smaller diameter than the power cord cable and the cable exiting the transfer switch to the coach

I'm thinking the stock cable just has more Insulation. I'm I correct in this or is 4 guage needed

Ps I found a 50 amp cable 36' at etrailer that's only 10 guage wire. I may not know much but I know that not the proper size for 50 amp

Thoughts ???

Jerry

[DavidEM]

Theoretically 10 gauge can carry 60 amps safely, but building codes require larger to provide more safety factor and deal with voltage drop. And if you need it to limit voltage drop in a long run, #4 gauge is ok too.

David

[lwmcguire]

Back in my 30 amp days I melted several 30 amp plugs and dog-bones

They were typically on 10 guage wire SO cable

Go with 6 guage unless you anticipate long duration of high amp usage, then 4 guage

[halfprice]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

Theoretically 10 gauge can carry 60 amps safely, but building codes require larger to provide more safety factor and deal with voltage drop. And if you need it to limit voltage drop in a long run, #4 gauge is ok too.

David

Thanks.. I'm only adding 2-3 of cable. It's going in-between the transfer switch and ems system

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by halfprice

So I'm new to 50 amp. I've always thought 50 amp is 6 guage wire. Google search confirms this.

Im getting ready to install a progressive ind ems surge protector. I bought 6 guage cable from home depot and it's a lot smaller diameter than the power cord cable and the cable exiting the transfer switch to the coach

I'm thinking the stock cable just has more Insulation. I'm I correct in this or is 4 guage needed

Ps I found a 50 amp cable 36' at etrailer that's only 10 guage wire. I may not know much but I know that not the proper size for 50 amp

Thoughts ???

Jerry

Getting into the minutiae - wire has a single conductor and cable has multiple conductors. Because the skin effect when dealing with AC current, a 11 or 19 wire bundle can safely carry more current than a single wire of equal diameter. Finally there are two ratings for insulation 60 C and 90 C. (THN and THHN). Most wires and cables are rated for open air installation, so routing them in a chase or conduit reduces the current carrying capacity. What does than really mean? For a short run (3M or less) THHN 8 gauge 19 strand cable will carry 70 amps @ 60C and 95 amps @ 90C without getting too hot or dropping the voltage enough to cause a problem, if the cable is routed in the open. RV shore cable is usually 6 AWG 19 wire, because the conductors are sheathed and in a wet environment requiring THWN cable and keeping the cable temperature below 35 C. for ease of handling.

[chunker21]

Jerry if you look at the cable you got from HD it's probably similar to interior cable in your new coach. I am using a pedestal mount PI EMS this go around but on a previous toy hauler I installed the PI hardwire version and got a couple feet from a Lowes of the correct same gage wire. It's stiff and not much fun to work with.

[halfprice]

Originally Posted by chunker21

Jerry if you look at the cable you got from HD it's probably similar to interior cable in your new coach. I am using a pedestal mount PI EMS this go around but on a previous toy hauler I installed the PI hardwire version and got a couple feet from a Lowes of the correct same gage wire. It's stiff and not much fun to work with.

Yeah 6 guage is stiff. I was 99% sure I needed 6 guage but saw several power cords for sale with 10 guage wire. It just got me second guessing myself

And I didn't see any writing on the my cable. I looked again yesterday and it is marked but it was so small I missed it

Most likely I'll install the PI ems later today.

My father in law passed away March 2020 at the start of covid, his death wasn't covid related. But covid stopped us from having a service for friends to attend. So today we are having the service and lunch to honor him. Install after the service

Jerry

[Cummins12V98]

SO cord is most likely what you bought. It is smaller diameter with mort strands per cable allowing it to be much more flexible

[halfprice]

The service for my father in law went well. Got home a round 1:30. Took about 1 hour to install the PI ems which included a quick run the home depot
For the 2 ground cables they supply rings that need to be crimped or swagged to the wire so it can be bolted to the grounding nut. I didnt have a tool big enough to do the job. Home depot has a swagging tool perfect for the job.

Also got the heat shield window guards the other day so got them in the mh also today. Pics to follow.


Jerry

[halfprice]

Here's few pics. Hmmm thought I had a couple of the ems guess not. The window covers are nice. Should would well to keep the heat out

Jerry

[paulwadley]

Hi Jerry
I see you are moving forward and keeping busy with the new rig. I bet you two are looking forward to getting back onto the open road again.

Paul

[halfprice]

Originally Posted by paulwadley

Hi Jerry
I see you are moving forward and keeping busy with the new rig. I bet you two are looking forward to getting back onto the open road again.

Paul

We are Paul. Still have more things to buy. Still looking for a stand alone monitor for the cameras. Not sure if I want monitor on the dash or overhead. Overhead is a lot more work and longer cables. The voyager camera systems uses cec connecters. Finding the right monitor or cable adapters is my goal for this week

Also want to get a Bluefire obd2 readers and tablet to veiw it. And a Build 5 center console. After that I think I'm done for a while

First trip coming up in a month

Jerry

[Sundance]

Come on Jer, you don't need no stinking fancy center console. Maria will hold those extra cups for you and likely burp you at the same time.

[halfprice]

Originally Posted by Sundance

Come on Jer, you don't need no stinking fancy center console. Maria will hold those extra cups for you and likely burp you at the same time.

You're right Dave but I have to have her in the passenger seat to do that. You know here favorite place to ride is in bed

[Slickrick racer]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

Theoretically 10 gauge can carry 60 amps safely, but building codes require larger to provide more safety factor and deal with voltage drop. And if you need it to limit voltage drop in a long run, #4 gauge is ok too.

David

Not sure which theory you are using. Highest ampacity for #10 wire is 55 amps in free air. That's not inside a cable or conduit.

[CHS]

I found this in the manual for the Progressive unit. Page 4
Always use 10 wire for the HW30C & #6 wire for the HW50C.

https://www.progressiveindustries.ne...6859d201ff.pdf

[halfprice]

Originally Posted by CHS

I found this in the manual for the Progressive unit. Page 4

Always use 10 wire for the HW30C & #6 wire for the HW50C.



https://www.progressiveindustries.ne...6859d201ff.pdf

I saw that also but after I bought the cable. You know, install product then read instruction. Pic after install

Jerry