I have a repurposed 2006 Ford E350 high top paratransport van that used to have a side-access wheelchair lift. That was removed but the “house” battery that served the lift is still installed and gets charged from the engine. I am finally getting around to getting this battery to supply my van’s interior with electricity for USB ports, lighting, fans. No AC appliances. This will (hopefully) be a relatively easy layout: no solar, no shore power.
I have a Ford mechanic helping me with this during his free time but I need to start with getting the power from the battery to some sort of a distribution hub along with a battery monitor, maybe integrated. Coming from the house battery, what device do I need to render the juice safe for DC applications mentioned above?
Anyone care to reply with help? Hello?
Sorry bout that, been off grid for a bit by a beautiful lake in the forest…
House battery → large wire → fuse → heavy duty master cut off → fuse box → smaller wire to accesories.
Thanks Fulltimer.
Does anyone else have a more detailed response to my question? Perhaps with wire gauge recommendations, specific brand name components I could research?
When it comes to wire gauges, always err on the side of using larger wire. Small gauge ( smaller number - i.e. 12 gauge is heavier than 14 gauge ) wire increases resistance and increased resistance, in some cases can create overheating problems in the wiring, possibly resulting in a fire, if the fuse does not blow or a circuit breaker fails to open.
Yes, ALWAYS use either a fuse or a circuit breaker on EVERY circuit !
Okay, first you want stranded copper wire, not solid. Available at most auto parts stores.
I’m using 4 gauge between the house battery and the fuse box, with a 100 amp fuse & master cut off between them.
From the fuse box, I prefer either 8 gauge wire with a 20 amp fuse, or 10 gauge wire with a 15 amp fuse. Technically the fuse size should be lower than the rated capacity of the wires. The fuses purpose is to actually protect the wiring.
Everything should be available at an auto parts store.
Interesting. Why not solid wire?
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They say stranded wire can carry more juice, and is more flexible and less likely to break.