The easiest thing to do with these type of low-end products is to take a
quick peek at the DC input cables. First, 5000 watts @ 110 VAC is equivalent
to roughly 400 amps at 12 VDC, even assuming 100% efficiency. 400 amps will
require 4/0 cable, which is roughly the diameter of 1/2 garden hose. I don't
see that on this unit. What I do see looks like about #10 cable, which is
rated at 60 amps or 720 watts. That's probably a pretty realistic rating for
the unit.
If you drew even 2400 watts (200 amps @ 12 VDC) through #10, it would melt
the insulation within minutes. But you wouldn't ever draw that amount, of
course, since you have provided overcurrent protection based on both NEMA and
AYCB ratings, and you've also taken into account both the insulation
temperature rating and the ampacity derating when cable is installed in
engine spaces. Right?
By the way here is a link to a useful set of tables:
http://www.marinco.com/page/wire-tech-data
Scott Welch
Chief Evangelist, Open Text Social Media Group
www.opentext.com
905 762 6101
"Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn
out." - John Wooden
The easiest thing to do with these type of low-end products is to take a
quick peek at the DC input cables. First, 5000 watts @ 110 VAC is equivalent
to roughly 400 amps at 12 VDC, even assuming 100% efficiency. 400 amps will
require 4/0 cable, which is roughly the diameter of 1/2 garden hose. I don't
see that on this unit. What I do see looks like about #10 cable, which is
rated at 60 amps or 720 watts. That's probably a pretty realistic rating for
the unit.
If you drew even 2400 watts (200 amps @ 12 VDC) through #10, it would melt
the insulation within minutes. But you wouldn't ever draw that amount, of
course, since you have provided overcurrent protection based on both NEMA and
AYCB ratings, and you've also taken into account both the insulation
temperature rating and the ampacity derating when cable is installed in
engine spaces. Right?
By the way here is a link to a useful set of tables:
http://www.marinco.com/page/wire-tech-data
Scott Welch
Chief Evangelist, Open Text Social Media Group
www.opentext.com
905 762 6101
"Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn
out." - John Wooden
