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This guide for use by qualified installers only
Selecting Cable Sizes
To operate safely and effectively, the XPower Inverter 5000 needs proper
cables and fuses. The XPower Inverter 5000 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, youmust 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 cable size required is
350 MCM with a maximum fuse size of 600 Adc
1
. One source of 350
MCM cables and associated terminals is www.donrowe.com.
•
For other installations, other codes may apply, but in no case should
you use DC cables smaller than No. 4/0 AWG. For No. 4/0AWG use a
450 Adc fuse
2
, but note that the five-minute 5000 W rating requires a
600 Adc input fuse
2
, which will require a minimum 300 MCM 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, 90C copper wire.
2.Example: Littelfuse
®
, NLN Series - UL Class K5 "One-Time" Fuse