Relocating my converter

[BeerBrewer]

I'm upgrading to lithium batteries and at the same time I was thinking about moving the WFCO (WF-9855-AD) converter so it is within a few feet of the new batteries. I'm planning upon using much heavier wires (2 AWG or even 0 AWG) to connect the batteries and converter together using 300A bus bars. I may also install a small inverter (300W) next to the batteries as well. My converter is currently installed on the floor behind the power distribution panel and the battery is fed with only 8 AWG wire (that's about 10 ft long). Its definitely 8 AWG and that is one of the reasons why I'd like to relocate the converter. Now here is my question. Would it be okay to reuse the existing 8 AWG battery cables just to feed DC power back to the panel? The wires are 8 AWG and about 10 ft in length. If I do relocate the converter I'll have to run a 15A 120V AC wire back to the panel.

Your input is appreciated!

Thanks

[Country Campers]

8 ga seems pretty small but if the system works.....

Brian

[ncitro]

Yes that should be fine, and most of us do similar. Moving them closer together will lessen the voltage drop and could get you more charging current into the batteries. Reusing the factory wire to feed the power distribution panel is what the rest of us do as well, you might want to fuse it when it comes off of your bus bars.

[Jkwilson]

Your battery to converter wiring is only going to carry your converter output rating and that much will never flow to the battery. Your converter is rated at 55A at 13.6V. At charging voltage, that’s about 52A. I don’t think you are really gaining much moving the converter and installing such large wire. At a 1ft run, your maximum voltage drop from converter to battery with #8 is going to be .03V on each wire. Heavier wire makes the most sense on the longest runs.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I'll assume you are installing #2 or 1/0 because you are envisaging a bigger converter in future? If so your plans are good. If you are planning on staying with the 55a converter, you are not getting much return on your investment with the large wire. Bigger is better, but sometimes not by much.

[ncitro]

I would not think wire that large is going to fit in the terminals of the stock converter. You will need to step down in size, and fuse appropriately.