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Topic: Source for larger gauge zip wire for portable solar panels (Read 176 times) previous topic - next topic
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Source for larger gauge zip wire for portable solar panels
I have a portable 200 watt solar cell setup I will be using with my rig. At some point I may go with a permanent install but for now I will just hook up the panels when I go boon docking. I need to buy some flexible wire to  connect them to the controller when in use. I'm trying to find a larger gauge (6-10 gauge) zip wire instead of two separate cables for convenience but I'm not having much luck finding anything. I have found larger gauge extension cords but they would include a third conductor for ground.

Has anyone come across a source for such a cable?



Steve
2003TK
Re: Source for larger gauge zip wire?
Reply #2 –

Landscaping lighting wire, or Malibu wire, is what you want. It's available in as thick as 8/2.
Home Depot and other hardware stores will have or carry it up to 10/2.
10/2
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-250-ft-10-2-Black-Stranded-CU-Low-Voltage-Landscape-Lighting-Wire-55213501/204210683
8/2 wire
Amazon.com : Paige Electric 8-2 Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Wire - 100FT...

When running new 12-volt circuits, landscaping lighting wire is my favorite, it has a very tough outer coating, designed to be buried.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Source for larger gauge zip wire?
Reply #3 –
Great options, thanks to both of you!

Steve
Steve
2003TK
Re: Source for larger gauge zip wire for portable solar panels
Reply #4 –
Landscape wire will work in this application, but it's designed to be buried and left in place--not laid out in the sun and moved around. I prefer marine-rated jacketed two-conductor wire. The outer jacket provides abrasion and UV protection that you don't get with zip wire. The cable is somewhat stiffer than zip wire of comparable gauge, but I haven't found that to be a problem.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Source for larger gauge zip wire for portable solar panels
Reply #5 –
Andy, great tip (as usual). I searched for other sources and found that West Marine carries some of the gauges and sells it by the foot online ANCOR Flat Safety Duplex Cable by the Foot | West Marine .

Charles


Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King
 
Re: Source for larger gauge zip wire for portable solar panels
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Landscape wire will work in this application, but it's designed to be buried and left in place--not laid out in the sun and moved around. I prefer marine-rated jacketed two-conductor wire. The outer jacket provides abrasion and UV protection that you don't get with zip wire.

High-quality landscape wiring is designed for both direct burial and above-ground use, also being UV resistant.
Our house was wired for low-voltage lighting over twenty years ago and the above-ground wiring is still in good shape, if it last that long in our hot climate, occasional use with solar panels should be fine.
12/2 250 ft Direct Burial Cable for Landscape Lighting | VOLT® Lighting

Either type of wire is going to work with portable solar panels, with similar results.
For 200-watts of panel, use the 10/2 wire for the lowest voltage drop.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze