Which type of wire to use in Epanel

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westbranch
westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
I am wiring up an Epanel and need to add a couple of breakers & #6 ga. wires for my PV input, as per the Epanel manual.

The AC transfer switch is wired with THHN , so I was looking for that but I cannot source it locally.

Will RW90 be acceptable?

Similarly can I use #4 STW battery cable for the run to the Classic? the STW is slightly flexible rather than stiff, not floppy like car stereo wire of same size,

I am assuming that there would be minimum stress at the attachment points.

From US Wire & Cable
STW
Extra hard service cord. Thermoplastic constructed jacket. 600 volt, weather resistant for outdoor use.


It feels slightly (like) rubber coated as does CabTyre
 
KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
West Chilcotin, BC, Canada

Comments

  • NorthGuy
    NorthGuy Solar Expert Posts: 1,913 ✭✭
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    Re: Which type of wire to use in Epanel
    westbranch wrote: »
    The AC transfer switch is wired with THHN , so I was looking for that but I cannot source it locally.

    I think THHN is not available in Canada. When I bought Generac, which was made in the US, the wiring was THHN.
    westbranch wrote: »
    Will RW90 be acceptable?

    I used RW90 for all my wiring. $2/meter in Home Depot.
  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
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    Re: Which type of wire to use in Epanel

    I mentioned THHN to the guy at a commercial installers office here and he knew what I was after but no supply in 6ga. Others have RW90 in 4 ga and 8 ga but not 6...
    ps we are in a HD desert, closest is 3 hr drive, one way.
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
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    Re: Which type of wire to use in Epanel

    Insulation type doesn't really matter in an enclosed installation.
  • YehoshuaAgapao
    YehoshuaAgapao Solar Expert Posts: 280 ✭✭
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    Re: Which type of wire to use in Epanel
    NorthGuy wrote: »
    I think THHN is not available in Canada. When I bought Generac, which was made in the US, the wiring was THHN.
    I used RW90 for all my wiring. $2/meter in Home Depot.

    Use whatever has 90C rated insulation. These are 90C insulation types copy/pasting from the electrician2.com code calculator: AE cable, MC cable, NM cable, TBS, SA, SIS, FE, FEPB, MI, RHH, RHW-2, THHN, THHW (dry location), THW-2, THWN, USE-2, XHHW (dry location), XHHW-2, ZW-2. Most THHN sold in AZ are the slick easy-run type - very hard to bend. Wire and Cable 2 Go is cost competitive to contractor supply shops with heavy gauges bought in bulk (at least $1000 order total).
  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
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    Re: Which type of wire to use in Epanel

    I spoke to a friend that works at EB Horsemans, the local electrical Wholesaler yesterday about THHN/W.

    He looked it up and found that it is meant for TRAY use, hence why it is so rigid... and the specs are the same, 90* rated, just that the THHN has thinner insulating material, and a slipperier coating for pulling through conduits.

    His recommendation (also) was use RW90 as it is designed for colder climates, that's why it is so common around here.

    ECS wire states:

    Single copper conductor with low temperature moisture resisting cross-linked polyethylene insulation
    For open wiring and raceways (except cabletroughs and ventilated flexible cableway) in dry or wet locations.**

    Rated 600 volts.
    Meets CSA C22.2 N° 38-05

    Minimum recommended installation temperature: minus 40 degrees Celsius (with suitable handling procedures).

    Maximum conductor temperature: 90 degrees Celsius.


    Sure wouldn't want to be doing that work at -40 (same temp on both scales)
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada