Recommended Wire Gauge Needed to Extend Vent Fan Power Wire to Charge Controller

Updated 02/24/2016 | Published 02/23/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Ventline Vanair Trailer Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan - 6-1/4" Diameter - Smoke

(285)

$89.96

16 Gauge Primary Wire - White - Per Foot

(64)

$0.76

Butt Connector - PVC - for 16-14g Wire - Qty. 1

(24)

$0.38

Question:

I need to extend the wire from the fan about 7 feet to reach my power source. Im not an electrician, but the wire coming from the fan looks to be about 18 AWG with 12 cores. Is that correct? If so, is this the wire I should get to extend the length or do you recommend a different AWG and/or type core? And since I have your attention, do you feel a in line fuse is needed... and what size if so? I will be running the wire directly to a charge controller btw. Im pretty sure the charge controller doesnt have any built in fuses.

asked by: Darrell

Expert Reply:

To wire up your Ventline vent # VP-543SP the correct gauge wire needed is a 16 gauge like # DW02359-1. You will also want to use the 16 gauge buttconnectors like # DW05714 to connect the two wires.

You definitely want this to be connected to a fused power source so if your charge controller isn't fused then on the 16 gauge wire you would want to wire in a 5amp fuse to protect the unit.

expert reply by: Jackie C