Wire Size Used to Install MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/12V Fan & Thermostat MA00-05100K

Updated 05/16/2024 | Published 09/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan and Thermostat - Manual Lift - 10 Speed - White

(1408)

$302.00

16 Gauge Primary Wire - White - Per Foot

(63)

$0.77

Question:

What gauge of wire do I need to connect the Maxxair 00-05100K MaxxFan to my DC set-up? I notice that at the bottom of your page that one of the similar purchases is 16 gauge wire but Ive heard 12 and 14 gauge as well. Thank you for your help,

asked by: Brent

Expert Reply:

The MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan and Thermostat - Manual Lift - 10 Speed - White Item # MA00-05100K only requires 12 volt, 5 amp power to operate so based on this 12 gauge wire would be overkill but 16 gauge such as # DW02359-1 sold by the foot is more ideal.

expert reply by: Michael H

Jake

4/23/2024

Wouldn't length of run to the power supply factor into your suggestion? At what length would you go to a lower gauge? Also, what fuse would you suggest, both just after the power source and just before the fan? Thank you -

Kevin C.

5/16/2024

@Jake Typically the vent wiring isn't running too far so voltage drop won't be an issue in most cases. If you're running about 25' then you'll want to switch to 14 gauge wire # DW07550-1. For a 25' to 50' length you'll need to switch to 12 gauge wire # 12-1-1 to avoid a voltage drop. As for the fuse I'd just use a 10 amp fuse holder # SWC9538 if you were wiring directly to the battery and would place it closer to the battery to protect the wiring running in the walls up to the vent. It's a lot easier to cut out a couple feet of wire by the battery than to rip it out of the walls and run new wire. The vent can also be wired to a DC distribution panel and fused there if you have one in your trailer.