The length of solar extension cable directly affects the power transmission efficiency. Cables that are too long will increase resistance, causing voltage drop and reduced equipment performance, which is particularly evident for high-power equipment. Reasonable selection of cable specifications and length is the key to ensuring efficient operation of solar systems.

 

Key Points:

- Cable length is proportional to resistance, and excessive length will cause significant voltage drop

- Cables with thick wire diameter (low AWG value) can effectively reduce resistance

- Cable carrying capacity must be strictly matched with equipment power

 

Analysis of Power Transmission Principles

In terms of resistance characteristics, current encounters resistance when it is transmitted in a conductor, and this resistance increases with the increase of conductor length. Taking solar water pumps as an example, when using a too long connecting cable, the motor terminal voltage may not reach the rated working value, resulting in a drop in speed or difficulty in starting.

 

The voltage drop phenomenon manifests itself as power loss during transmission. In solar systems, precision equipment such as inverters have strict requirements on the input voltage range. When the cable is too long or the wire diameter is too thin, the terminal voltage may be lower than the minimum operating voltage threshold of the equipment.

 

In terms of wire diameter selection, the smaller the value in the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, the thicker the conductor. For example:

- 10-12AWG is suitable for high current scenarios

- 14-16AWG is suitable for low power devices

- For every 15 meters of transmission distance, it is recommended to increase the wire diameter level

 

Risk Warning in Use

Possible safety hazards: Conductor heating may ignite the insulation layer; insufficient voltage may cause abnormal operation of the equipment; outdoor environment will also accelerate cable aging.

In actual applications, the following should also be noted:

- Avoid cable dragging on the ground to cause wear

- Prevent small animals from biting

- Regularly check the oxidation of the connector

 

Practical Selection Suggestions

For different application scenarios:

- Component to inverter: 10-12AWG short-distance cable is preferred

- Lighting system: 14-16AWG specification can be used

- Mobile equipment: It is recommended to use reel-type cable to avoid entanglement

Special precautions include:

1. PV-specific cables must be used
2. Connectors must match the MC4 standard
3. UV-resistant materials should be selected for outdoor use
4. Keep appropriate margins during installation to avoid stretching

 

Maintenance Points

During system operation, the following should be done:

- Check the integrity of the cable skin every month

- Test insulation performance before the rainy season

- Take anti-freeze measures in winter

- Establish a record of cable laying paths