How to Extend Wiring

[jill]

Hello All,
Inspired by your site, I purchased a HF 45W kit.

 

It is working fine to power my radio, lights and recharge batteries

I am using a 12v deep cycle marine battery and 750 w inverter

I have one panel so far.

I would like to extend the wiring of the included lights so I can properly light my barn.

I would appreciate advice on how to safely extend the wiring of the lights in the kits

Thanks everyone

[jill]

Thank you for the rapid replies

Unfortunately I do not have the technical experience to understand all of it.

After you splice the wires, how are they reconnected? Do you recommend a certain kit with the needed supplies.

Thanks for your patience!

[Dale Marshall]

You can use 18 Gauge wire. The Current draw is only 400ma maximum. I have one on 75 feet 18 gauge now problem.

Just make sure you get the +/- side right and you will be ok. Like Ghostrider I pick up some chep porclein lamp holders there easier to deal with. Plus I used switch boxes and real light switches.

[Renewable Ray]

Here's me sounding like a broken record. Make a copy of this chart and put it up at your work station......

 

This chart shows wire distances for a 3% voltage drop or less. These distances are calculated for a 12 volt system. Multiply distances by 2 for a 24 volt system. Multiply distances by 4 for a 48 volt system.
NOTE : This chart is an approximate distance reference and is a little conservative. 

 

Amps    #12    #10     #8      #6      #4    #3     #2      #1   #1/0    #2/0

4           22.7   36.3   57.8   91.6   146   184   232    292    369    465   feet

6           15.2   24.2   38.6   61.1   97.4  122   155    195    246    310

8           11.4   18.2   28.9   45.8   73.1  91.8  116    146    184    233

10           9.1   14.5   23.1   36.7   58.4  73.5   92.8  117    148    186

12           7.6   12.1   19.3   30.6   48.7  61.2   77.3  97.4   123    155

14           6.5   10.4   16.5   26.2   41.7  52.5   66.3  83.5   105    133

16           5.7     9.1   14.5   22.9   36.5  45.9   58.0  73.0   92.0   116

18           5.1     8.1   12.9   20.4   32.5  40.8   51.6  64.9   81.9   103

20           4.6     7.3   11.6   18.3   29.2  36.7   46.4   58.4   73.8   93.1

25           3.6     5.8     9.3   14.7   23.4  29.4   37.1   46.8   59.1   74.5

30           3.1     4.8     7.7   12.2   19.5  24.5   30.9   38.9   49.2   62.1

35           2.6     4.2     6.6   10.5   16.7  20.9   26.5   33.4   42.2   53.2

40           2.3     3.6     5.8     9.2   14.6  18.4   23.2   29.2   36.9   46.5

[jill]

Thanks so much!