| Using 10/2 for macerator wiring [message #243330] |
Thu, 13 March 2014 11:28  |
mickey szilagyi
Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013
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Thanks to a bunch of you and your advice we're about to purchase some 10/2 AWG Tinned Marine Boat Duplex Wire to use in wiring our macerator. Since we're buying it we're wondering how much to get and figure we might as well get enough in case we need it for something else. But, we don't know what else we might need it for. Hence, this question.
What else on the GMC coach might we use 10/2 electrical wire for and approximately how much in length would we need for each application?
In case someone else is looking for this wire it's on ebay and the guy lists it all the time so there's no rush in getting it. He sells it in various lengths. His price is the best we could find for the type of wire it is - free shipping too.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300837721843?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
A second question while we're at it. A number of you offered advice as to what switch and circuit breaker to use. We're looking at 12V 20A for both. However, we've seen several marine 12V circuit breakers similar to what we use in home electrical systems in that they trip when there's an overload but could also act as a switch. Would using the circuit breaker as a switch as well wear it out over time - good or bad idea? Your thoughts appreciated.
Thanks again to all,
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
[Updated on: Thu, 13 March 2014 11:29] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Using 10/2 for macerator wiring [message #243332 is a reply to message #243330] |
Thu, 13 March 2014 11:53  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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You really do not need to run equal lengths of wire for powering the Macarator. You can use a short run for the return or ground.
Just need enough red wire to run to the unit. Never hurts to have too much on hand. Depending upon which battery or where you are going to access for the power determines the length you might need (add 10%). A roll of 25 ft should do the trick.
Be sure a use terminals for the ends and crimp using a good crimper. Wire does not need to be soldered to the terminal if you crimp good enough. Hint: The typical hand crimper that looks like a pair of scissors cannot produce enough pressure to properly crimp the terminals at this gauge.
20 a breaker is enough. A separate switch is nice.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Using 10/2 for macerator wiring [message #243415 is a reply to message #243386] |
Thu, 13 March 2014 23:47 |
corleyw
Messages: 130
Registered: June 2007
Location: Battle Ground, WA
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I guess your macerators are different than mine. I just checked it, and it draws 4.3 amps while running, and about 10 amps at startup. (Didn't bother to put the storage scope on it.) It does not blow a 5 amp slow blow fuse. In my book, that say's even #12 wire in overkill. Since the wire is only about 6' long, drop is not really much of an issue.
Just what I measured. (Yes, I was dumping the tank, not running dry.)
Corley
'76 Glenbrook
29 other vehicles
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| Re: [GMCnet] Using 10/2 for macerator wiring [message #243547 is a reply to message #243415] |
Fri, 14 March 2014 21:22 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
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Wait until your macerator hits something really chewey and it bogs down and then draws a whole lot of current and blows your fuse or circuit breaker. Then you would wish you had heavier gauge wiring.
I have been using a macerator in motor homes since I put one on my Travco motorhome back in 1973 so I now have 41 years of experience with various macerators. Years ago I used lighter gauge wires but I soon determined there were a lot less troubles when I switched to heavier wires.
Emery Stora
> On Mar 13, 2014, at 11:47 PM, Corley Wooldridge <corley@corleyw.com> wrote:
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> I guess your macerators are different than mine. I just checked it, and it draws 4.3 amps while running, and about 10 amps at startup. (Didn't bother to put the storage scope on it.) It does not blow a 5 amp slow blow fuse. In my book, that say's even #12 wire in overkill. Since the wire is only about 6' long, drop is not really much of an issue.
>
> Just what I measured. (Yes, I was dumping the tank, not running dry.)
> --
> Corley
> '76 Glenbrook
> 29 other vehicles
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| Re: Using 10/2 for macerator wiring [message #243731 is a reply to message #243330] |
Sun, 16 March 2014 08:50 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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My beloved PO installed the macerator with a self-resetting circuit breaker next to it. That's come in handy when the macerator bogs down for some reason, and saves you from having to swap out fuses when you're in line at the dump station.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: Using 10/2 for macerator wiring [message #243898 is a reply to message #243731] |
Mon, 17 March 2014 08:50 |
corleyw
Messages: 130
Registered: June 2007
Location: Battle Ground, WA
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Might also be worth mentioning that if a wire is in a bundle or wire loom, as opposed to being out in open air, a rule of thumb is to increase one wire size, due to the combined heat that could occur. (Most wire charts seem to show current ratings for open air wires.)
Just a thought, nothing more...
Corley
'76 Glenbrook
29 other vehicles
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