Haven't read all the replys so excuse if I'm repeating anything.
Background: 30+ years electrician.
As far as I can remember I've never run into wire sizes with an odd number, until you get down to #4 gauge. So wondering the site you were reading from? I'd like to check it out.
As for wire size: NEC code table states:
#14 rated up to 15 Amps
#12 " " 20 A
#10 " " 30 A
#8 " " 40 A
Of course there's temp. factors and length/resistance but in this case moot.
10-14 gauge AWG wire is fine for any single cell under the hood system. If your running multi cells in series, yes make sure you run the thicker wire.
deltahho is right, heat will be produced at the smallest part in the wiring circuit. Soooo.... use oversize connectors to compensate or figure out a way to direct connect the wiring. Looked into using anodized pieces to eliminate the heat problem but in conversation with an anodizing plant worker he said it would be the wrong way to go due to deterioration of the anodized parts rendering the process useless....and no, you can't anodize SS parts, already thought of that one. Good luck, Bro!
Wire size is directly related to the current rating of the fuse or circuit breaker that is supplying the wire. If you want to limit the current to 20 amps (for example) then 12 gage wire would be big enough. For a 30 amp circuit use 10 gage wire. Also, use automotive wire, such as you will find at a "real" auto parts store (not the crap sold at the chain parts stores).
Steve, great job on going through everything you will need so far in the process of building the generator. Will you, or does anybody know what the rule of thumb is of how much HHO is needed for V8 vs V6 vs a 4 cylinder vehicle? I have a 4.7 liter v8. It would be nice to see a how many milliliters or liters that i need to make to make a difference in my truck. Cant wait to see the rest of your testing.
I really appreciate your videos dude. I'm putting together my smack booster, all I am waiting on is the nylon washers, which I couldn't fund locally up here in Saskatoon, SK... but when I get things together I'll put up some trial and error videos as well. By the way, I hope you didn't wreck your wifes minivan!?!
AlmostHydrogen, really appreciate the way you are approaching this from a layman's point of view. Great job. I have installed the SMACK cell and have ordered a MAP sensor enhance (not yet installed). My point is that when you reach that point you will also present information on these electronic add-ons.
Just to let you Know I've mixed up my water/Koh to pull 25amps cold. It got to 50oC and it was pulling 45amps. The wiring no problems the terminals no problems, they were colder then the tank I'm using 4G wire better to go bigger then what you think. My mix is a bit to strong lol the Max I wanted and had planned to run my cell was 50amps I have a 70amp fuse going to the cell Always have strong connections, heat will be produced at the smallest part in the wiring circuit. Keep up the good work
Great info Steve. I had been using 10 gauge wire and havent had any heating problems with the wire. My cell uses around 25 amps. I am looking into using stainless steel wire. Will let you know how it turns out. Great job keep up the good work.
Thats a pretty good website , thanks for posting .I am currently using 10 gauge wire for mine with no over heating running bout 12 amps...I tried an old extension cord ONCE and only ONCE melted the crap out of that wire ,luckily I was only doing bench test wasnt in the car..
Sorry but it is prohibited for prisoners own cells to be modified.
tels2006 2 years ago
sounds like your electrolyte is too strong; the stronger your solution, the more amps it draws.
with my cell I have 2 liters of water & use 2 teaspoons of sodium hydroxide & that draws about 14-16 amps.
I hope this helps
AlmostHydrogen 3 years ago
Haven't read all the replys so excuse if I'm repeating anything.
Background: 30+ years electrician.
As far as I can remember I've never run into wire sizes with an odd number, until you get down to #4 gauge. So wondering the site you were reading from? I'd like to check it out.
As for wire size: NEC code table states:
#14 rated up to 15 Amps
#12 " " 20 A
#10 " " 30 A
#8 " " 40 A
Of course there's temp. factors and length/resistance but in this case moot.
drmmr123 3 years ago
see description box for link
AlmostHydrogen 3 years ago
10-14 gauge AWG wire is fine for any single cell under the hood system. If your running multi cells in series, yes make sure you run the thicker wire.
eliminategas 3 years ago
yep, good advice E.
AlmostHydrogen 3 years ago
deltahho is right, heat will be produced at the smallest part in the wiring circuit. Soooo.... use oversize connectors to compensate or figure out a way to direct connect the wiring. Looked into using anodized pieces to eliminate the heat problem but in conversation with an anodizing plant worker he said it would be the wrong way to go due to deterioration of the anodized parts rendering the process useless....and no, you can't anodize SS parts, already thought of that one. Good luck, Bro!
peteytothemax 3 years ago
Wire size is directly related to the current rating of the fuse or circuit breaker that is supplying the wire. If you want to limit the current to 20 amps (for example) then 12 gage wire would be big enough. For a 30 amp circuit use 10 gage wire. Also, use automotive wire, such as you will find at a "real" auto parts store (not the crap sold at the chain parts stores).
jforb427 3 years ago
yep your right, but for newbies like me who did not know it, this info can be helpful.
AlmostHydrogen 3 years ago
Oh yea this is helpful. I am newbie myself and I have watched hundreds of these videos. Trying to learn as much as I can before I start to build.
fred30680 2 years ago
Well stated, those cables are mostly insulation and the connection is usually marginal. And keep going! You're doing great!
cribcat1 3 years ago
Steve, great job on going through everything you will need so far in the process of building the generator. Will you, or does anybody know what the rule of thumb is of how much HHO is needed for V8 vs V6 vs a 4 cylinder vehicle? I have a 4.7 liter v8. It would be nice to see a how many milliliters or liters that i need to make to make a difference in my truck. Cant wait to see the rest of your testing.
Keep up the good work!
surratt123 3 years ago
I really appreciate your videos dude. I'm putting together my smack booster, all I am waiting on is the nylon washers, which I couldn't fund locally up here in Saskatoon, SK... but when I get things together I'll put up some trial and error videos as well. By the way, I hope you didn't wreck your wifes minivan!?!
webovisionca 3 years ago
AlmostHydrogen, really appreciate the way you are approaching this from a layman's point of view. Great job. I have installed the SMACK cell and have ordered a MAP sensor enhance (not yet installed). My point is that when you reach that point you will also present information on these electronic add-ons.
terrydeannelson 3 years ago
your welcome, and yes when I do install my cell I will do vids on that and when/if I add other electronic stuff.
AlmostHydrogen 3 years ago
Just to let you Know I've mixed up my water/Koh to pull 25amps cold. It got to 50oC and it was pulling 45amps. The wiring no problems the terminals no problems, they were colder then the tank I'm using 4G wire better to go bigger then what you think. My mix is a bit to strong lol the Max I wanted and had planned to run my cell was 50amps I have a 70amp fuse going to the cell Always have strong connections, heat will be produced at the smallest part in the wiring circuit. Keep up the good work
deltahho 3 years ago
thanks.
yea a lot of people use 10 gauge and its no problem, I just want to pass on what I learned so they dont waste time & money with the mistakes I made.
:)
AlmostHydrogen 3 years ago
Great info Steve. I had been using 10 gauge wire and havent had any heating problems with the wire. My cell uses around 25 amps. I am looking into using stainless steel wire. Will let you know how it turns out. Great job keep up the good work.
asiaollie 3 years ago
Thats a pretty good website , thanks for posting .I am currently using 10 gauge wire for mine with no over heating running bout 12 amps...I tried an old extension cord ONCE and only ONCE melted the crap out of that wire ,luckily I was only doing bench test wasnt in the car..
jdcmusicman 3 years ago