Wire Sizes Explained for Mobile, Marine & Off-Grid Electrical Systems

Did you know that 0 AWG is bigger than 4 AWG, and 4/0 is bigger than both? Wire sizing can be confusing but that's what we're here to clear up in episode #2 of this wire basics playlist. 🧰🔌

Learn about the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, how wire sizes affect current capacity, and why it's crucial to choose the right wire for your projects. Don't let wire sizing baffle you—watch this episode to get the clarity you need!

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wiring basics! 🔔✨

This is episode 3.2 in our Wire Basics Playlist in the EXPLORIST.life Academy.

Be sure to write your score in the comments so we can see how you did!

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:

FULL ELECTRICAL INSTALLS:

00:00 Introduction
00:41 What do wire sizes and gauges mean?
02:35 What do you call wire sizes larger than 4/0?
03:45 How are wires with multiple wire in them sized?
05:02 Why does 12/2 romex have 3 wires?
06:19 Final Thoughts

[joentexas]

How simple. Could have done this 50 years ago when in school. Better late than never. Thanks.

[onlythetruthfull]

In the UK, 12/2 your Romex is called twin and Earth. Rightly or wrongly our electricians use the earth wire as currant carrying by just adding a bit of wire insulation to show its purpose, as far as I know, this is a regular practice when installing double-switched light switches or even triple ( to switch from different points). There are specific wires for that job but they often do not have any with them, so shortcuts take place.

[pteepan]

The American system is **** most will agree on that.

[rod]

Wow! Read my mind I was on your channel for info. on wire sizes I need for victron set up when this video uploaded! Another excellent video! Thanks so much! 👍

[i.m.peterrific]

In Australia we like to make it even more confusing, we use both AWG and metric depending on the person and the industry you are dealing with 🤦‍♂

[alanblyde]

How hard would it be to just go Metric, can’t be any simpler than that 🇦🇺

[robbehr]

Hi Nate, Excellent videos! For many RV folks, rodents chewing insulation off wires is a real problem. And, some of the cheap Chinese wire has insulation containing soy products, including soy oil, making them targets for rodent attack. Could you do a video on insulation types, including types of insulation which are not appetizing to critters. I'm of the impression aircraft and military specification wire is not on the rodent dinner menu.

[dalehollenbaugh]

While not common, I've seen that 5AWG and 7AWG are sometimes given with server rack batteries for connecting to bus bars. I've also seen them for sale on Amazon. I've not seen 3AWG however. The most common sizes you'll encounter with Victron equipment is 10AWG, 6AWG and 2AWG for most components like MPPT, Orion and Blue Smart Chargers other than the big stuff like inverters and batteries. The only thing I've seen that uses 4AWG is the Orion XS 12/12-50A. There is a chart in the Victron manual for inverters, but most common is 1/0AWG for 24V and 2X 1/0 for 12V, but depends on a number of factors (size, distance, etc.). For car audio, 8AWG and 4AWG are more common than 6AWG and 2AWG.

[bretts]

Wowzers imagine having a cable sizing system where you actually refer to the cable size by measurement !!!

[rithlim]

AWG is so ridiculous, it should be ... "aught-lawed". :D

[HenryGendron-mr]

Hi Nate,
Just a question. Would it be possible to put the number of the series of your videos before the title? I find myself beginning a video looking for the first one and waiting until you say which number of the series it is. I would like to start at the beginning but get a little frustrated when I skip from #4 to #9 then #3 etc. I have purchased some items from your store after watching a video but I’m out of order and some items are collecting dust until I get the correct sequence to install.
I really enjoy the videos and your humor (my wife doesn’t get it why I laugh sometimes).
Looking forward to future vids and possibly attending an event where you are if I get ‘out West’ in the future.
Thank you,
Henry

[brucefay]

A year and a half ago we had a new transformer installed to supply power to our existing house and a new barn (RV storage and workshop). Instead of 500, 000 cmil the power company refers to this as 500 Kcmil. K means 1, 000 so same thing, just easier to say. Ditto for 350 Kcmil, 250 Kcmil, etc.

[alvarochivas]

Is the gage measure the wire sans insulation?

[richardroberts]

Most of your wireing kits for solar panels down to the MTTP are 10 g. Should wire gauge increase after combining the series- parallels ?

[lightitrun]

I opted to use marine grade or high stand count wire. Same gauge can handle a little more current for the wire size. Just have to be more careful when stripping it.

[blairM]

I was totally expecting you to explain with a history lesson why the AWG wire was numbered from zero up and then later added the 00….

[mindalick]

what is the most common efficient gauge for 50ft and 100ft extension cords from solar panels?

[stephenniederriter]

You forgot to mention the trailer signal lights Which has 5-12 gage conductors and 2-10 gage conductors

[davidmoore]

Type W 4/0 is the biggest of the bunch. Try playing with 100ft rolls of those

[henrymorgan]

If you have a saltwater boat, you HAVE TO use tinned marine wire. If you don’t, expect a wire failure when you want it the least!