Wire Gauge Question (Powerhunt Power Stip)

[Bad Obsession]

I just got my PowerHunt Powerstrip in today. I am disappointed that the company couldn't bother to supply the wires to attach this power strip and they didn't bother to say that in the add from where I bought it from.

That being said I need to get the proper size wires for the power strip. Guess what?!?!?! They didn't bother to tell me what gauge to use!

The strip uses a 50amp fuse. What size wire should I use to attach it to the batteries? Is it okay to use clips to attach it to the battery since I am not going to mount this permanently? If so what kind and what size?

I am not going to use marine grade wiring since it is pointless.......It is going to be removed from the boat when I am done with the cruise.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Phantomsailor]

8 AWG wire would suffice if the power strip is not more than 10 or so feet from your batteries. You could connect directly temporaily using battery clamps like these: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1XWN9?Pid=search

 

[Tim R.]

You do realize that this this gadget only powers Powerhunt brand 12v appliances.

How much amperage you pull depends on which appliances you connect and use at the same time. This amperage and the length of wire should determine what gauge wire you should use. 50 amps is pretty high and you probably will not come close unless you are running something that produces heat. There are far better ways to heat your boat.

 

[Bad Obsession]

It is for my Fiancee's hair drier. It should run a bit of power.

Sorry, that would have been good information earlier

 

[txtowman]

whack up a pair of old jumper cables, put lugs on one end to the strip and the clamps on the bat, this is how we truckers install inverters all the time, I would prefer 4 guage but would use 6 if I had it. keep the cables as short as practical.
this is the cheapest way I know of.

 

[txtowman]

wow I just looked at that thing. do they make a hairdryer?

 

[Steve Dion]

Welding cable.

 

[Tim R.]

How is this device any different than a 12v cigarette outlet? Seems like a hair dryer with a cigarette lighter plug would be just as effective without the power strip.

 

[Bad Obsession]

http://www.power-huntstore.com/product_p/pnp-100a.htm
http://www.power-huntstore.com/POWER_HUNT_210_HAIR_DRYER_p/pnp-210a.htm

THere is a link to these items. The hair drier is supposed to get up to 195 degrees.

 

[zeehag]

dayummmmmm--that is almost a heatgun!!!!

 

[sailingdog]

Based on the strip having a 50 amp fuse, you should wire it for that as a maximum load. How far from the DC power supply is it?

Tim—

I don't believe most 12 VDC accessory outlets are rated for the amperage required by the hair dryer.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Neuter the hair dryer

Clip the powerhunt connector and put on a set of jumper cable clips. the problem I see is that the strip is going to be where? in the head, then you can't use it in other places, in the cockpit, seems kinda silly to use the hairdryer in the cockpit...... do I install powerhunt strips all over the boat? Not a very well thought out system IMHO

What other kinds of appliances do they sell?

 

[Bad Obsession]

I ended up using 6 gauge wire and attached clips to one end. It will clip on the batteries when in use and just be stored somewhere when not in use.

Here is a pic: