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975-0445-01-01
This guide for use by qualified installers only
Selecting Cable Sizes
To operate safely and effectively, the
Duracell Inverter 3000
needs proper
cables and fuses. The
Duracell Inverter 3000
has low-voltage and high-
current input, so it is essential that you use low-resistance wiring between
the battery and the inverter. This means using the largest gauge and
shortest DC cables. The goal is to deliver the maximum amount of usable
energy to your load.
For safe and efficient operation, you will need to calculate cable sizes for
your:
•
DC input cables from the battery to inverter, and
•
Chassis ground cable from the vehicle chassis to the chassis ground
lug on the inverter’s DC panel.
DC Input Cables
•
Keep all cables as short as possible, and ensure that each cable
between the inverter and the battery is no longer than 10 feet (3 m).
•
Do not use aluminum cable. It has about 1/3 more resistance than
copper cable of the same size, and it is difficult to make good, low-
resistance connections to aluminum wire.
•
Some installation codes require and we recommend use of oil-
resistant cable rated for damp or wet locations.
•
For installations subject to the US NEC, the minimum cable size
required is 75C, No. 4/0 AWG with a maximum fuse size of 400 Adc
1
•
For other installations, other codes may apply, but in no case should
you use DC cables smaller than No. 2/0 AWG, protected by a
250 Adc fuse, but note that the five-minute 3000 W rating requires a
350 Adc fuse, which will require a minimum No. 4/0 AWG cable.
WARNING: Fire hazard
Use only copper wire rated 90 °C minimum. Never use a DC input cable longer
than specified in
“DC Input Cables”
below. A longer cable can potentially
generate enough heat to start a fire or result in poor inverter performance.
1.Based on US NEC, 2008, table 310-17, 75C copper wire.
Inverter_3000_Install_Guide.book Page 6 Tuesday, June 3, 2008 12:22 PM
