RC-Monster Forums - View Single Post - Wire size wire for...4 Ice chrgrs-20 feet from 12v battery

BrianG · 09.13.2006, 04:56 PM

How much current will each charger require at ~12v? To get the required current, just multiply the max battery pack voltage X the charge current, then divide that by 12. Do this for all four chargers and add the currents together.

So, let's say you have four sets of 5s 8Ah Lipos. Each set of lipos will require 168W (4.2v X 5s X 8A) to charge. At 12v, that is 14A. For four of these, the current will be 56A total. Add 5% to account for charger losses to be safe for a total of 58.8A.

20 feet at 20A to 35A total, I'd go 8 gauge.
20 feet at 35A to 80A total, I'd go 4 gauge.

The easiest place to get this type of wire would be to go to a car stereo shop and get the wires there. You're gonna want a very good connection too, and don't forget some type of distribution block.

	(#2)
BrianG RC-Monster Admin Offline Posts: 14,609 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Des Moines, IA	09.13.2006, 04:56 PM How much current will each charger require at ~12v? To get the required current, just multiply the max battery pack voltage X the charge current, then divide that by 12. Do this for all four chargers and add the currents together. So, let's say you have four sets of 5s 8Ah Lipos. Each set of lipos will require 168W (4.2v X 5s X 8A) to charge. At 12v, that is 14A. For four of these, the current will be 56A total. Add 5% to account for charger losses to be safe for a total of 58.8A. 20 feet at 20A to 35A total, I'd go 8 gauge. 20 feet at 35A to 80A total, I'd go 4 gauge. The easiest place to get this type of wire would be to go to a car stereo shop and get the wires there. You're gonna want a very good connection too, and don't forget some type of distribution block.