gage # of 1/2 " copper pipe

[Joe]

Howdie

I want to use my 1/2" water copper pipe as my neg (-) connections between battery bank and water pump. I am just wondering if any of you know what gage # that pipe would be, I am guessing #4 at least.

any comment?

Joe

[12vman]

I'm not sure of the gauge but it works! Years ago I used my plumbing as my power "Buss" to operate things throughout my house. I was using 3/4" rigid copper.

The distance from the battery to the other end of the house was approx. 45'. At the far end I connected a 1200 watt inverter and was able to operate a circular saw.

I used the hot for the positive and the cold as the negative..

[MooseToo]

I'm not sure of the gauge but it works! Years ago I used my plumbing as my power "Buss" to operate things throughout my house. I was using 3/4" rigid copper.

The distance from the battery to the other end of the house was approx. 45'. At the far end I connected a 1200 watt inverter and was able to operate a circular saw.

I used the hot for the positive and the cold as the negative..

please, please, please - include a disclaimer that points out you are talking about low voltage d.c. ONLY -

[Joe]

Ok

I found a table about weight of both bare copper wire and copper pipe

1/2" pipe type M (thin sidewall) =204 lbs for every 1000feet

#2 gage copper wire = 200.9 lbs for every 1000feet

So by foot weight it is safe to assume that both should carry the same amp

12volt: the 3/4" pipe= 320lbs per 1000 feet, simular to #1/0 gage copper wire (step up from #1 gage)

[johnjmw]

Thats the copper pipe empty. What about the water? Doesn't that conduct even better?
John

[Joe]

Thats the copper pipe empty. What about the water? Doesn't that conduct even better?
John

Hi john

The electricity will follow the path of least resistance, in that case the copper, water could have a cooling effect depending on the application.

[12vman]

please, please, please - include a disclaimer that points out you are talking about low voltage d.c. ONLY -


I did say.. "From the battrey.." * ;)

[MooseToo]

I did say.. "From the battrey.." * ;)

you saw it - i saw it - i was just suggesting that perhaps not everyone did -

[12vman]

That's kewl.. ;)

[richgatesolar]

Hey Joe, if your going from a battery bank that pipe will be carrying some high amperage I hope no one touchs it while the pump is running,,, Can you say BAR-B-QUE!! ouch plus I would calculate voltage drop to your pump as well to avoid any possible malfunctions from that..Peace,,,,Rich G.

[Joe]

rich G your car has the battery (-) connected to the mass. No body that I know has BBQ touching their car

[Michael32170]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41D7ANK5CSL._SS500_.jpg

A good source book.