System wiring/sizing help

Re: System wiring/sizing help

In reading the wire size recommendations, I'm a bit fuzzy about the number size #6 listed. What I found when I bought 5 Seimens 75 watt panels and their wiring harness that had a volt meter, amp meter, master switch, and solar controller that had a #6 stamped on wiring running between the panels and the controller.

I took apart an old/outdated Highway Department solar powered sign. It has a 12v system once powered by 6 panels. The cables running from the panel rack that held the panels is stamped a "#6 Essex Excelene....Welding Cable", but it appears the fine wires making up this cable make a much thicker wire than what a #6 is that is for home/commerical use.

Is there a difference in copper size because one is for a high amp welding/battery cable rating system?

Bill

Re: System wiring/sizing help

as to this "Where is the best place to locate a combiner box/breakers for this type installation: near the panels on the roof or inside the cabin approx. 25 feet from the panels?"
if there is easy access during any time of the year to replace the fuse(s) that may pop or go bad then i'll agree to do this all on the roof. most roof installations are not accommodating so it should be at the first accessible place after the roof and all paralleled wires must run to the combiner box separately and fused in the accessible area usually in the same area as the combiner and is often in the same box.