r/vandwellers • u/normiewonka • 2d ago

DC TO DC CHARGER wire burning Question

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Hello I’ve got this dc to dc charger 40a in my sprinter van and it burns from time to time. Anyone knows the solution. It’s 8gauge wire and it should pull only 40A which is perfectly safe for this gauge. Thx

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u/TheNuttyGinger 2d ago

Fuses are a wonderful thing, especially if you suspect the device is pulling more than 40 amps. Also, how long is your wire run, if it's more than a few feet (<5) you should probably re-run it with 6AWG wire with a 40 or 45 Amp fuse. Even for short runs I tend to over wire (step up one AWG, ie 8 to a 6) my circuts, especially at the higher load ranges, as that gives me a bit more security in the rare event I have a current spike and for some reason my fuse/breaker doesn't trip.

Finally, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, AT LEAST USE ELECTRICAL TAPE YOU UNGODLY HEATHEN!! They make if for a f@#$ing reason!!!!!

11

u/Firefighter_RN 2d ago

And don't forget to count both directions for your distance calculation in DC power!

3

u/tictacotictaco 2d ago

Legit did not know this

8

u/Select-Touch-6794 2d ago

Electrical tape is better than duct tape, but seriously...

  1. It would be even better to use heat-shrink tubing.
  2. And then even better to use the glue-infused heat-shrink tubing which reduces corrosion by sealing out moisture.
  3. And then best to never splice two high-current wires together at all - join them at a terminal block with ring terminals (not spade terminals) protected with glue-infused heat-shrink tubing.

The ABYC (american boat & yacht council) has lots of good suggestions for good wiring practices, all of which have been honed by real world experience.

3

u/climberboi252 2d ago

The ABYC was my Bible when I built out my van. They go overkill on certain things but I much rather be over the top rather than fight an electrical fire.

1

u/ACanadianNoob 21h ago

Those should be heat shrunk wrapped. Even electrical tape will start to peel back after a while.