If you are expecting a peak load of 2400 watts, the input current at 12
VDC will be about 200 Amps. If I recall correctly, the ampacity of 4
guage is only 100 amps indicating you should go to at least 2 guage. you
might also consider running 1/8" x 1" aluminum strap. As far as reading
the output voltage of the inverter, a normal VOM will work fine for a
sine wave inverter. To get the proper reading for a square wave or
modified sine wave inverter you would need a true rms reading voltmeter.

BS

ray lunder wrote:
On 10 Dec 2006 11:34:01 -0800, wrote:

I have a 1200 watt nominal / 2400 watt peak, power inverter that I
would like to install about 12 feet from the battery that will power
it. My question is what gage wire will I need for a 14 foot run to the
inverter? The unit was supplied with 5 feet of 4 gage. Is 4 gage
really necessary, it seems like overkill to me? Thanks, Mike Howard

Gauge it for whatever AC devices you're going to run off it. That's
all it will draw. Also decide if you're going to use your inverter
with the engine running or not.
I found the cheaper Xantec units regard 13.2vdc as the nominal
voltage, which is bull****. You don't find this out until you get it
home. 12.6vdc is pretty normal on a boat that's not running and 12v is
more like it half the time. My $70 1kw Xantec puts out 98vac, not real
healthy for some AC devices. I had to crush the "low voltage" piezio
alarm with a pair of pliers. A real converter starts at about $400 and
goes on up to the moon. Happy sailing.