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Wire Size & Voltage Drop Calculator
Find the right wire gauge for every run in your RV solar system. Uses the NEC 3% voltage drop rule — the same standard professional electricians follow.
12V — standard for most RV solar systems
Tip: A 200W solar panel at 12V produces ~16.7A. A 12V fridge draws ~5–8A.
Total circuit length used in calculation: 30 ft (one-way × 2)
| Gauge | Max Amps | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 18 AWG | 14A | Small lights |
| 16 AWG | 18A | USB/small loads |
| 14 AWG | 20A | Fans, LED strips |
| 12 AWG | 25A | Fridge, outlets |
| 10 AWG | 40A | Solar PV input |
| 8 AWG | 55A | MPPT output |
| 6 AWG | 75A | Large MPPT |
| 4 AWG | 95A | Small inverter |
| 2 AWG | 130A | Med. inverter |
| 1 AWG | 150A | Large inverter |
| 1/0 AWG | 170A | 1500W/12V inv. |
| 2/0 AWG | 195A | 3000W/24V inv. |
| 4/0 AWG | 260A | 3000W/12V inv. |
Fuses protect the wire, not the device. Size the fuse to the wire's ampacity, not the load current.
⚡ Victron Multiplus II Inverter
Always use a 400A slow-blow ANL fuse on the inverter positive cable, per Victron specifications.
🛒 Buy 400A Slow-Blow ANL Fuse (Amazon) →For the Victron Lynx Distributor, use ANL/MEGA-style blade fuses in the fuse slots.
Not sure about your wiring?
Our experts can review your design and make sure every wire is correctly sized and fused.
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