Hey all,
I have a, 12v * 460amp = 5520 w, system.
My largest (and ground) wire is 4/0. Looking at the AWG table, the max current is 302amps.
That’s not rated to the max current of your system, right? It’s rated to the draw?
So I could draw up to 302*12= 3624w?
Just wondering how safe it would be to add another 460ah battery, to 960 amps.
Thanks!
12v * 460ah = 5520wh (battery capacity)
You need to size for the max 12V draw (from fuse block or bus bars) or the inverter
Most 12V systems are going to be under 3000w as it’s impractical to size large wires required to support more than 300a.
Its more efficient to up the voltage
12v * 100a = 1200w
24V * 100a = 2400w
48V * 100a = 4800w
Same 4 awg wire size but larger loads.
In RVs where you don’t have much high powered appliances (and also running 12V loads) 12V and 24V systems are best suited.
In offgrid 48V is better suited as it’s more efficient and you’ll have multiple large electric loads like household appliances (dryer, central air, oven, etc…)
Edit: you said 12V 460ah but is this one massive battery? Which chemistry? Did you check with the manufacturer? It’s a really “depends” kind of question. In a mobile application I would recommend routine maintenance every few months as lugs can go loose overtime. The more connectors the higher chance something gets loose.
While possible to go higher, to charge this large of a battery bank requires a lot of power. For example 11kwh of LFP batteries charge off a 50a 12V (720w @14.4V) charger would take about 15 hours. If you’re relying on solar alone that could be a problem as you’ve got 4-6 hours peak solar production hours.
If you’re running a fridge, a pc, lights, a tv, electric cooking, and an air conditioner (or space heater) then you maybe draining faster than you can charge.
You need to size for the max 12V draw (from fuse block or bus bars) or the inverter
Perfect, that's what i intuitively thought, but I just needed to double check! I'll be using a victron lynx distributor, so I think i'll be good there (with the appropriate load fuse).
I totally get that upping the voltage is "better", but it's not in the cards for my van atm. Especially because I don't want to deal with 24/48V alternator charging.
It's one massive battery, yeah. https://www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms
And the "Max Continuous Discharge Amps: 300A"
Regarding charging, totally get that. Right now I have 30a alternator charging, solar, and ac input with a victron multiplus. I also have a lightweight inverter generator, but I really don't want to lug that around, if I can help it. My daily draw is not large, but this was just a double check that I could increase my capacity if I found that I needed more power for remote work. I'd definitely consider adding another battery, and wiring to get 24V. But if my load stayed the same, I don't quite see the benefit.
For ref, my load at the moment is just: 12v lights, 12v fridge, 12v phone, 12v fan.
I'll be building it out for longer remote work stints, so will be adding starlink and more laptop work. I'd like to add an induction cooktop so I don't have to worry about propane too.
No tv, induction, ac, and heater makes things a lot more simple for load.
Hey, thanks for your answer, I appreciate you taking the time.