question

brokenlegg avatar image
brokenlegg asked

Midpoint link cable

Sorry this may seem like a stupid question, but what cable size should I make the midpoint linking cable?

Should the gauge and length match the pos/neg cables going to the busbars? Or does it not really matter as if everything is ok, there will be no current flow?

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1 Answer
Mark avatar image
Mark answered ·

Yes theoretically if everything is perfectly balanced the current flow would be 0.

But in reality there would be a small current flow under normal conditions & if something goes wrong the current flow could be significant.

So I would recommend to use a cable that is at least ~1/2 the size of main cables if un-fused.

But if you add a fuse in between to protect for a worst case scenario then you could go smaller - just ensure the current rating of the cable is higher than the fuse.

Length does not really matter with this cable & it does not need to 'match' anything.

2 comments
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mvader (Victron Energy) avatar image mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented ·

Hi nicely explained.

See also the new Wiring unlimited book, it has a chapter on this:

https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/10063/wiring-unlimited-a-new-book.html

You’re welcome to drop a note there to Margreet in case you have suggestions (the fuse is nice)

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brokenlegg avatar image brokenlegg commented ·

Awesome that’s a great idea, to put a fuse inline.

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