[skiracer_blah]

I'm installing a 50 Watt Gable Mounted Solar Attic fan as shown here:
http://www.solaratticfan.com/fan-models/gable-mount.html


The fan motor will be installed one one side of the home, and the solar panel will be on the opposite of the home. So, i will need to fish approximately 90 feet of wiring thru the attic. The solar panel uses Direct Current (DC). Since 90 feet is a very lengthy run, what type of in-wall rated cable and what gauge wiring should i use? Can i use speaker wire or another wire i can pickup at Home Depot?

Also, i need some sort of switch to install in the attic i can use the open/close the circuit so i can manually turn off the solar fan when needed. Any recommendation on switches?

Not familiar with building code so defintely could use some help

 

[FlyingDiver]

I would just use 14ga romex. It appears that the current is less than 1.5 amps (50 W / 36 V), so won't get much drop. Then just use a standard plastic switch box and toggle switch.

 

[skiracer_blah]

I would just use 14ga romex. It appears that the current is less than 1.5 amps (50 W / 36 V), so won't get much drop. Then just use a standard plastic switch box and toggle switch.

Thanks for the response. I forgot to mention that part of the cable will be outside of the home on the rooftop. So, the cable needs to be rated for outdoor use/UV resistant.

 

[FlyingDiver]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwir...G-Cable-White-13054226/202316582?N=5yc1vZc57b

 

[skiracer_blah]

^^^ That's perfect! I tested the amps from the solar panel on a cloudy day and it output 0.6-0.7 amps. I said volts in the video, but i meant to say amps.

 

[scruff67]

Looks like you connected the ammeter directly to the panel with no load, you shorted the panel and measured the short circuit current. I'm surprised your meter still works.

 

[skiracer_blah]

Shows my knowledge of electrical systems How should i have measured the amps?

 

[scruff67]

The meter should be connected in series with the fan.

Connect the panel ground and fan ground, then connect the panel to one meter lead and the fan to the other.

 

[skiracer_blah]

Thanks will give it a shot! I'm guessing the low output of the solar panel was not enough to trip the fuses inside the multi-meter....

 

[skiracer_blah]

oh, where can i buy heatshrink that i can use for outdoors/UV resistant?

 

[skiracer_blah]

Ok, i got the romex and all other necessary parts. Solar attic fan will be installed next weekend. Here's connecting the multimeter correctly! 20V x 1.7 amps = 34 watts. Manufacturer claims 50 watts , but i'm guessing that's optimal conditions