Mixing different gauge solar panel cables..

[SunEagle]

I mean like this.inv.jpg

That circuit is not going to work since the wires between the inverter and batteries will not transmit charging amps from the CC and discharging amps from the battery at the same time.

You really need to wire the CC directly to the battery terminals.

[Aussiemike]

I mean like this.inv.jpg

[SunEagle]

Sorry you misunderstand.
I have the inverter cables on the battery.
Can I put the cables from the CC to the same terminals on the inverter instead of the battery?

You are correct. I do not understand your question.

The basic circuit has a pair of wires that go from the CC to the battery and then another pair of wires from the battery to the inverter.

You use the battery terminals as a connection point for the wires going to the CC and to the inverter.

[Aussiemike]

Sorry you misunderstand.
I have the inverter cables on the battery.
Can I put the cables from the CC to the same terminals on the inverter instead of the battery?

[SunEagle]

Morning guys.
Is it ok to attach the battery cables from the Charge Controller to the terminals of the Inverter?
Cheers Mike

Most charge controllers do not have an output rating big enough for an inverter so they can fail. It would be better to wire the inverter to the battery terminals.

Some type of DC voltage rated disconnect device needs to be used between the battery and inverter. If that circuit breaker is not DC voltage rated then you really shouldn't use it.

[Aussiemike]

Can I use this as a switch and not a circuit breaker? Or does it have to be DC?
Capture.JPG

[Aussiemike]

Morning guys.
Is it ok to attach the battery cables from the Charge Controller to the terminals of the Inverter?
Cheers Mike

[Aussiemike]

Thanks Mike

[Mike90250]

Thanks Mike.
So effectively the 6AWG is completely wasted.

No, it is a meaningful length of low resistance (low loss) cable.

[NewBostonConst]

The six awg will be more efficient over a long distance so you are gaining there and that is common...yes, Mike is correct you have to size everything on your smallest conductor. Fuses and Circuit breakers are sized to the wire and to protect the wire.

[Aussiemike]

Thanks Mike.
So effectively the 6AWG is completely wasted.

[Mike90250]

The max amp, is 20A, because that's what 12ga is rated for. For ohmic electrical loss, you add the resistance from the 6ga & 12ga lengths

[Aussiemike]

I know this is old but it also interests me and I would love to hear it further explained.
Just to exaggerate what if you had a run of 30 feet of 6AWG and a run of 5 feet of 12AWG.
Is there a formula to let me know the max amp for this line?
Do I just assume the whole 35 feet is 12 AWG?
Cheers Mike

[ReaderOfEyes]

Mixing different gauge solar panel cables....

Thanks for the help, everyone. Now I can stop worrying about the cables and go back to being anxious to try out the system, after I get the rest of my components.
I appreciate the information a lot.

[Naptown]

The # 10 cables you bought are absolutely fine. Bigger than may be necessary but will only improve performance (OK maybe very slightly)
As long as the connectors click together which they will as both are MC4 you are good to go.