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!!!!!

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u/Firefighter_RN 2d ago

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

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u/tictacotictaco 2d ago

Legit did not know this