[RE-wrenches] Parallel wire runs to increase size

[Jason Szumlanski]

Nick,

 

Can you cite a code section that supports this. (not challenging you – it makes sense and I agree)

 

I have been wondering about SMA’s recommendation to parallel two 1/0 cables for a Sunny Island. If the wire sizes and lengths are identical, is this acceptable?

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Nick Soleil
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2011 12:05 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Parallel wire runs to increase size

 

You shouldn't parallel wiring that way.  That is not acceptable by code, and it is unnecessary.   If the #10 is not sufficient just replace it.  Due to the fact that the larger wiring has much less resistance, most if not all of the current will flow on the larger wires.

 

Nick Soleil
Project Manager
Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC
PO Box 657
Petaluma, CA 94953
Cell: 707-321-2937
Office: 707-789-9537
Fax: 707-769-9037

 

 

________________________________

From: "Starlight Solar, Larry Crutcher" <larry at starlightsolar.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Wed, February 2, 2011 8:00:07 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Parallel wire runs to increase size

Wrenches,

 

Some of our business involves repairing poor PV solar installations on recreational vehicles. So often we wind up installing a roof junction box and running a second PV to controller wire and then replacing the controller to battery wire size. For instance, we may find a 10 gauge wire run to the controller. We then add #8, #6, #4 or even 2 gauge and parallel to the #10 depending on power and distance of the run. My question: Is there a calculator or chart that will tell me what the combination of any two wire sizes equate to? example: #10 + #4 = X

 

Thanks.

Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems <http://www.starlightsolar.com> 
powered by STARLIGHT™

 

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