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#146500 - 08/29/08 01:59 PM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: Eugene]
adam2 Offline
Addict

Registered: 05/23/08
Posts: 474
Loc: Somerset UK
I would be very suprised if there was any noticable difference in voltage drop between stranded and solid core wire, presuming of course that the sizes were the same.

#12 AWG is #12 regardless of solid or stranded construction.

For a permanently installed 12 volt lighting circuit I would use standard house wiring cable, but a least one size larger than useual to reduce voltage drop.
Remember that a loss of one volt is trivial at 120 volts, but is nearly 8% of a 12 volt supply.

It is unlikely that vehicle wire will comply with the NEC for domestic installation.

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#146524 - 08/29/08 05:46 PM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: adam2]
Todd W Offline
Product Tester
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 11/14/04
Posts: 1928
Loc: Mountains of CA
Thanks for the info guys smile I`ll ask some friends about regulations and being sure to stay within code.

-Todd
_________________________
Self Sufficient Home - Our journey to self sufficiency.

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#147247 - 09/03/08 04:50 PM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: Todd W]
plsander Offline
Newbie

Registered: 08/26/04
Posts: 39
You might consider evaluating Nickel Iron batteries rather than Lead acid batteries.

Nickel Iron has a lower surge power capability -- which is why the auto industry selected Lead acid -- but Nickel Iron is much more forgiving of deep discharge and improper charging.

And they don't off gas Hydrogen...

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#147277 - 09/03/08 09:00 PM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: plsander]
Todd W Offline
Product Tester
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 11/14/04
Posts: 1928
Loc: Mountains of CA
Thanks, I`ll check that out.
_________________________
Self Sufficient Home - Our journey to self sufficiency.

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#147351 - 09/04/08 04:43 AM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: Todd W]
Raspy Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 01/08/04
Posts: 351
Loc: Centre Hall Pa
A little electricity 101.

With a 12 v system you need heavier duty wiring. Reason power equals voltage times current. As voltage goes down current goes up. For those mechanically inclined think of a hose. To pass more water you need a bigger hose.

Stranded verses solid wire. Electrical current actually passes along the outer edges of a wire. Above a certain level of current stranded wire if more efficient for the same size wire. For a simple lighting system it really wouldn't matter. But there is an actual difference.

Dolf cart batteries are what are called deep cycle batteries. They are designed to operate at a slow long term discharge rather than a high surge. Car batteries are made to supply a large surge to start a car. Deep cycle one are what you want for a power system. They will last much longer.

Hydrogen and charging. You are going to get it. But it is easy to deal with. Either put the batteries in a sealed room or containers. Think Rubbermaid totes. One not big enough. Use as many as you need. Drill holes to pass the wires through. Seal the holes with caulk or silicone. Run a sealed pipe to the outside.
_________________________
When in danger or in doubt
run in circles scream and shout
RAH

And always remember TANSTAAFL

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#147353 - 09/04/08 04:55 AM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: Raspy]
BobS Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 02/08/08
Posts: 924
Loc: Toledo Ohio
Originally Posted By: Raspy
Stranded verses solid wire. Electrical current actually passes along the outer edges of a wire. Above a certain level of current stranded wire if more efficient for the same size wire. For a simple lighting system it really wouldn't matter. But there is an actual difference.



Stranded wire is used for one reason in autos and mobile applications, it’s flexible and will not break as easily as a solid core wire. It can take bending and vibration better. The power handling ability of one over the other never comes into play as all that is done to handle more power is to go with a bigger wire, not to pick solid or stranded over the other because it takes more current.

_________________________



You can run, but you'll only die tired.


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#147355 - 09/04/08 05:06 AM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: Raspy]
BobS Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 02/08/08
Posts: 924
Loc: Toledo Ohio
Originally Posted By: Raspy
Hydrogen and charging. Drill holes to pass the wires through. Seal the holes with caulk or silicone. Run a sealed pipe to the outside.



Thinking about this I don’t think a sealed pipe will do much. Without airflow (an exchange of air with in and outgoing venting) the gas generated will not go anyplace.

Lead acid batteries should be outside; hydrogen is just too dangerous to be in the living area of a home.
_________________________



You can run, but you'll only die tired.


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#147376 - 09/04/08 02:27 PM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: BobS]
OldBaldGuy Offline
Geezer

Registered: 09/30/01
Posts: 5695
Loc: Former AFB in CA, recouping fr...
The front compartment of our home on wheel is the storage location for the house batteries. They came in a plastic battery box with a screened hole in the bottom, and a sealed flexible hose from the top to an outside vent. Airflow...
_________________________
OBG

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#147426 - 09/04/08 11:19 PM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: OldBaldGuy]
Raspy Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 01/08/04
Posts: 351
Loc: Centre Hall Pa
Hydrogen is lighter than air. Even in a closed system it will rise up the vent pipe. But vent holes at the bottom would help.
_________________________
When in danger or in doubt
run in circles scream and shout
RAH

And always remember TANSTAAFL

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#147441 - 09/05/08 12:10 AM Re: 12v Lighting [Re: Raspy]
Todd W Offline
Product Tester
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 11/14/04
Posts: 1928
Loc: Mountains of CA
<--- Thinking what can I do with hydrogen that is useful...
_________________________
Self Sufficient Home - Our journey to self sufficiency.

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