Acceptable loss from power wire??

[neonrt 10+ year member]

tried searching for a bit, cant seem to find just what i am looking for.

what is the common acceptable % voltage loss through you power wire?

i cant seem to remember. it seems like 3% is sticking out in my head, but would like to know for sure before any wire purchase.

thanks guys and gals.

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[thylantyr 10+ year member]

What is 2 + 2 asked a man ?

answer = 4

answer = what number do you want ?

 

[POLKAT 10+ year member]

according to http://www.bcae1.com/

it is 1/2 of a volt.

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Depends on what's acceptable to you. Less is obviously better.

 

[neonrt 10+ year member]

Depends on what's acceptable to you. Less is obviously better.

i just want to make sure. i figured out that with the setup i am pieceing togethor that i can run 4 gauge power wire, which is obviously cheaper than 1/0 gauge by alot, and only have a loss of less than 1% total. I could of sworn that most people say as long as its less than 3% you are fine. I only get .2% more efficient by using 1/0 wire over 4 gauge, and this system will never be upgraded to more power. its not going to be a comp system whatsoever also.

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

The charts that show acceptable amperage draw per gauge typically use .5V as their basis. Meaning, if you are getting more than .5V loss they (meaning the makers of the charts) recommend you go up to the next larger gauge.

And you figure 3% of 14.4V is .432V and 4% is .576V....I would say 3% drop is about as high as most people would recommend you go.

 

[neonrt 10+ year member]

The charts that show acceptable amperage draw per gauge typically use .5V as their basis. Meaning, if you are getting more than .5V loss they (meaning the makers of the charts) recommend you go up to the next larger gauge.
And you figure 3% of 14.4V is .432V and 4% is .576V....I would say 3% drop is about as high as most people would recommend you go.

thank you squeak. exactly what i was looking for.