Table of Contents: Copper Clad Aluminum Wire: 0:51 Cheap vs Quality Connectors: 3:55 Cheap vs Quality Lugs: 5:42 Choosing Wire: 7:00 Marine Grade Wire: 11:02 Wire for Primary DC Loads: 11:42 PV Wire: 14:54 Tools for crimping: 21:20 Wire that I recommend: www.mobile-solarpower.com/wire-and-connectors.html Tools I recommend: www.mobile-solarpower.com/tools.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes: -Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp -Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7 -AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around: amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out: shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p -Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 10% off code: diysolar -Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA: watts247.com/?wpam_id=3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Information: I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

I am an electrical engineer and have experience installing electronics in military fighter aircraft. I'm now retired and stumbled onto your KZread videos because I'm playing around with building an RV solar system. You provide valuable information and I learn something with every video. Working on aircraft, all the tools, wiring, and components used are top end and super expensive. Moving to the hobbyist/consumer side, it is difficult to find information to find optimal/acceptable quality versus cost, which is why I particularly like your videos. I would recommend that you start a naming convention for you videos, like Year-Episode Number (e.g. Episode 20-01: Review of ...) so that it is easier to determine if the review is for a new item, versus something that came out three years ago. Keep up the good work and disseminating honest information on a rapidly changing technology and product field. Someone has to keep the junk-peddlers honest.

I have to say, you just encapsulated just about everything I’ve told people for years... I’m a retired electrician who lived off the grid in Mexico for years when anything solar was astronomically expensive and hard to come by. So, I’m really glad to see someone with your qualifications take up the mantel of educating all the people out there who really don’t have a clue as to where and how to start...Good on ya!

@DocJaeBass

4 жыл бұрын

What about using type UF-B 10/2 with ground? I've seen it on several off grid systems connecting the panel array to the inside system.

@mrmotofy

4 жыл бұрын

@@DocJaeBass Stranded wire will work better. Especially for DC wiring

@DocJaeBass

4 жыл бұрын

@@mrmotofy thanks

@danielwilson2109

4 жыл бұрын

What qualifications does he have? Definitely has a bit of knowledge

@truthbebold4009

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. Question about the copper-clad aluminum...just finished watching a Mike Holt video where CCA was discussed, along with the history of wire (Al, Cu, and CCA). There seem to be many misconceptions about Al and CCA (for a variety of reasons). I need to research more but Mike gave positive reviews for use of CCA. One thing left out in both videos (this one and Mike's) is skin effect (current flowing in the outer portion of the wire). So I believe skin effect is more prevalent at higher frequencies. In other words, no skin effect on D.C. and more skin effect on AC and greater skin effect on catv and such. Just wondering if anyone has studied this out thoroughly. Thanks

Never before have I watched a tutorial in real life or via a screen that keeps the needle on my bullshit detector at zero for the entire thing. Truly remarkable.

"I think this is for the advanced users." No, Will. It is very valuable information to avoid buying junk and making a firehazard. Thank you!!!!

"You want to spend more money and get the good strippers" Will, you have yourself a T-shirt right there!

@IDVDalot

3 жыл бұрын

He lives in Vegas. Its perfect!

@wendygerrish4964

2 жыл бұрын

Oh..funny.

@badactor3440

2 жыл бұрын

too bad he didn't see your comment

@IDVDalot

2 жыл бұрын

@@badactor3440 Hes probably too busy building a solar powered rocket ship to reply to me

@veryinteresting591

2 жыл бұрын

Priceless! Lol

101 DC Wiring with Will Prowse.....A MUST WATCH! 1) He knows that not everyone will watch the video, so Safety issues first! Make sure it is 100% copper! 2) Cheap (but decent) Chinese Batteries? Yes.....But Cheap & underrated wires, connectors/lugs? NO. 3) Proper wire spec, material and quality - The 3 tenets of wiring - aka copper, copper, copper....PURE + Quality insulation. 4) Will talking about STRIPPERS (LOL) and cheap ones vs expensive ones. This is one of the most underrated subjects and one that for many feels like pulling teeth and usually ignored because everyone else is looking at panels, batteries, controllers and inverters forgetting that the wiring is what makes it work properly and safely. But I cannot re-state how important this is in preventing damage (fire) or even injury (shock, burn, etc) plus equipment and property damage not to mention performance inefficiencies. You've all seen the videos where he sets aside a good chunk of money on wiring. In this video he explains why and what to look for.

This is why I love Will Prouse videos. Simply the best information, clearly stated, with no ego and no agenda other than giving the best, trustworthy information on the internet.

Our house burned down when I was 10 years old because if faulty wiring so I know from personal experience that wire quality matters. Thank you for sharing the info so clearly and concisely.

Your happiness for that cable makes me feel happy. 7:55

your communication skills are impeccable

You have one of the best and most interesting channels on you tube. Keep it up, mate!

@SeriousSchitt

3 жыл бұрын

Hey, how’s your car, did you get a new one?

787 program electrician (retired) You give some great advice!

I hope that someone's life is saved someday from an electrical fire, because they watched this video! Who knows how many lives that you've saved, Will? Thank you so much for producing these easy to understand KZread videos.

Nailed It!!! Love what you are doing. I'm really old school, 1978, was when, I first started, welding and wiring... It's really old school, never cheap up on what you're doing.. Another FANTASTIC video!!!

Extremely helpful. I'm a DIY retired guy just learning how to build a system. This, your book, and your other videos have taught me everything I need to go ahead and put it together. It's really exciting to go from knowing nothing about a subject to being able to apply knowledge into a tangible thing you build with your own hands. Thanks so much, Will.

I remember that back in the 60-70s people were having problems with their house wiring because it was aluminum wire. Aluminum, under pressure, will flow (like tooth paste, but slower). So the problem was that the screws in the terminals were pressing on the wire, the aluminum, over time, flowed enough to loosen the connection, resistance from the bad connection built up, the wire heated to the point that houses caught fire. the cure was to retorque every electrical connection in the house every year or so. Another thing about aluminum is that it will work harden and eventually break if it is flexed too many times.

I have been sharing your videos with my friends, so sometimes it looks like I’m not watching all the way through... but it’s just me looking for the various videos and passing them on. I love your stuff.

It's very enjoyable watching someone who is so passionate about a topic. Great video, thanks!

This was an excellent video. Most have no clue how important the connectors are, or how to crimp properly........not to mention wire quality. It was nice to meet you in person at the van build!!

Great job! Your videos are getting better and better. Sharing your knowledge an experience is the best on the internet. Thank you.

Thank you for this video. I was literally just about to build my system and would have purchased an inferior cable. Perfect timing and very informative. I love how you break things down and keep it clear and concise!

I just bought your book last night and youtube served this up to me today!

The sheer amount of shared knowledge presented here is remarkable. I've learned a ton of information here; and with it, will change out what I'm currently building as a marine based solar application. Thank you!

Will, you have given me the confidence to add solar power to my trimaran. Your enthusiasm is contagious as is your life story. Congratulations. My grandfather did not have a high school education and studied at the library. He became a successful commercial building owner doing all most all repairs himself.

For the automotive-type crimp-on terminals (the ones with the red/blue/yellow plastic insulation on them), the best product to be using are true PIDG (plastic-insulated double-grip) terminals made by AMP among others. These bring a few advantages to the party: (1) the ferrule that crimps over the wire is brazed shut, so it can't spread on crimping; (2) the insulation material is nylon, rather than the PVC that's used for most of the cheaper terminals; and (3) the metal sleeve inside the terminal extends out over the insulation of the wire, and is crimped onto it, providing proper strain relief. A ratcheting crimper with the right dies is really the proper tool to use for crimping these, as it will apply both crimps simultaneously. You won't find these at Lowe's or Wal-Mart, but of course Amazon has them, or any decent electronics supplier like DigiKey or Mouser would carry them.

thank you SO much! i've been tinkering with a small but growing solar rig for almost 15 years now. i never had any kind of formal training beyond some basic physics classes. so, i get the theory but the implementation has been largely experimental for me and your videos have helped a LOT!

Will, your tangents are so informative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!✨

You are so marvelous. I Learn so much daily from your precise explanation.

I really hope more people watch this. It is absolutely important. I hear "oh but that will work.." a lot when people get cheap crap and want me to warranty work. I just tell them to let me handle providing the wire, luggs, ect, and it wont be cheap. The other option, well, there isn't one.

I've had the same model stripper as you showed for nearly 40 years now - never let me down!

I don’t think I will ever be able to afford going off grid but I love watching your videos. They are informative, very techs and they are simple to follow and just thorough as can be. If I ever have the chance to live this life, I will be asking for your help, Soul.

Very good info Will, like how you present and talk

You actually bought hundreds of dollars worth of wire? I bow to your total awesomeness. That wouldn't even meet the minimum order with a lot of the companies I used to work with.

Dude, you’re literally changing my life. Your simplifications are there and therefor anyone with half a brain can follow you. I appreciated your backstory as well. Great job learning on your own then sharing. I also agree not everyone should be trusted in the backstory situation. Keep up the information sharing.

I bought every bit of wire in my system through your web page, so I know I'm good. Also got my tools based on the book. That red handled wire stripper worked okay because of the adjustable tail stop. I had to move it back about 1/4" for some of my wire but it stripped everything really well. And the ratcheting crimper is great.

You're just shooting straight and doing your best to make sure we don't toast ourselves. I can't tell you how many videos I've watched and not once have I seen anything about the quality of the Wire or mentioning the simple fact of the heating expanding Cooling and Contracting. Thank you so much for reminding us or for some pointing it out

Awesome video, excellent content! I hope that you stay with this and make a lot of money. I’m just starting my sprinter build and need all of the wisdom I can get. Thank you!

Excellent guide, I learned so much. These are the details that everyone should know.

Great video Will. This is such vital info, to get a professional, safe and reliable system, one has to get the basics right. As always, the info you provide is 100% relevant and useful. Keep up the great work.

Dude, you’re videos are great! Its amazing how well you explain complex stuff so guys like me can understand!!

I've learned so much from watching your videos on solar. Keep up the good work!! 👍

Great information! These are things that I didn't really think about when doing projects.

You do an amazing job and you are smart. Thank you for this quality channel.

This applies to so many other applications too! Car audio, boats, home electronics, etc. Solid advice that unfortunately some people learn the hard way..

I could not agree more. Spend more money to get the good STRIPPERS! lol Another great video. Thx Will!

I'm no dummy when it comes to any of this stuff and I'm currently building my own batteries solar systems and what not but I love how you straight to the point no BS and so truthful and being able to make money while playing around with batteries and solar systems. I know how fun it is in it's amazing that you can get paid for doing it. I bought your book because you seem very knowledgeable straight to the point and again no BS.

Great job as usual Will... We should all build it right the first time and we'll avoid problems and fires.

WOW this would have to be the best most informative video I have ever seen on utube.

Lots of great information! I have to say, I absolutely loved the line, spend the money for a high quality stripper! That was AWESOME! 😱

An AWESOME tutorial for beginners, this is what I needed to know ... thank you so much

Why you know Everything about Solar Energy and all the components and functions and all connections, And good instructor also. Thank you for Sharing.....👍👍👍💪

@hammer1312

3 жыл бұрын

You need to go back and watch ALL of Wills videos. This young man went from being homeless to now he owns his own home and has a great you tube channel that offers LOTS of help. He is a great example of rags to riches and he is the smartest young man out here doing these videos. Again go back and watch all of his videos. I don't even know him but am very proud of what he has done for his self and how he has changed his life. God Bless.

Awesome instructional on wire and tools: Thank you!! Plus links to buy the exact tools and wire. This is well done, that I hope the monsoon season rains money upon you.

Thanks for the video. I learned so much if I decide not to hook up my own solar array I can now keep an eye out on the person that's hooking it up for me to make sure the person is using the right wires.

Yep, I like how you describe it all and with the reasons to go why.

Excellent video man. I’m impressed. Thank you. Keep up the great work.

He Will. You are one of my absolute favorites on KZread hands-down!! I do also watch David pox. He gets in pretty good detail. But I understand you more. Beef up the systems a little bit I really want to learn more about 24 V maybe even 48 V. Solar panel set ups. But I am going to be starting out in an RV and I would like to go 24 V because I am a mechanic a welder and a remodeler homebuilder. Plus a whole bunch of other things too much to list. But I love the way that you get so into detail and explain it to her three different for different ways whatever whatever it takes. You and Jeff Williams on my favorites on KZread absolutely completely and you both live in the same city as my daughter. And yes I’m from Nevada also with another seven daughters and one son. Hate to say but my son was born in Louisiana where I am at as of today and will be moving back home to Northern Arizona or Northwest maybe Nevada again I do have daughters in Fallon and Reno. Sorry for all the details you’re one of my favorites OK I hope my son turns out like you you’re awesome

I like your video Will, its good to understand and be reminded that cheap wiring isn't really an option. Good quality wires are a must.

Every tangent provided a wealth of information!! Thank you so much for this video, your information provides clear path to creating safe products. I'm sure your book(s) on wire sizing for the application will be perfect partners to the tasks. I look forward reading and to adding your books to my tool kit. The wire codes like CCA (copper coated aluminum) vs marine grade tinned pure copper was really valuable, especially pointing out high current products can be supplied with CCA fire starting wire. Great data on Nolox usage. Thank you for sharing your vast and valuable detailed information, especially in an easy to digest format. This video cleared up many unanswered questions for me.

How could anyone give this guy a thumbs down for his video's? They should be ashamed of themselves!

Thanks a lot Will. High Five Buddy! Love your channel.

All your videos have been helpful, I’m learning a lot about this! I would like to see a video about comparing the tools! Me & wife are going to build are own Skokie & most likely need them! Thanks for your help so far!

Really great video. Learned a lot and you explain it so effortlessly 👍🏼

Hey will. Been watching a few of your videos and I really enjoy them. I'm not usually one to go checking out websites... but yours is INCREDIBLE. Thank you so much for compiling awesome connectors and wires and everything really that anybody could need at a good price. You've made my life so much easier and now I can buy what I need with confidence of the quality. You rock!!

Thanks for the non bull information its great to see factual information being put online

Nice job brother! Tons of knowledge and wisdom for a young guy about technical and quality aspects of this subject. Best wishes

Thank you so much for your video people really need to pay attention when they're dealing with lithium I had an e-bike with a battery made in China to try to save money ended up burning my house down to the ground I barely got myself and my wife and kids out!!!!!! And am now in a lawsuit with the company we literally had about thirty seconds to get out. Just be careful with dealing with cheap lithium

@neliosamch3195

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, it is important to have several levels of safety, new or old cheap or expensive batteries. Malfunctioning and or mistakes happen. We can't blame no body when we do it at own risk but ourselves. What looks easy and simple to do for Will may be difficult and complicated for others. Always ask questions when in doubt. Did you have fire extinguishers and water sprinklers in place? Thanks for making others awere of the danger lithium poses.

@michalob21

4 жыл бұрын

dayam bro, sorry to hear that shit☹️

@ds525252

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reminder. Glad you all made it out! Good luck to you on the litigation.

Everything TEMCo seems to be awesome! And a good price!

I love this guy. Ok he rambles just a bit but it is from the heart. His book is invaluable. For beginners working in solar...get his book! It can save you from making so many mistakes, and it is down-to-earth and well written.

Kudos once again. Especially like the “get the hood tools”. Required. Can’t do any job with half-naked tools. I’ve learned the hard way (weekend DIY guy). Can’t wait to convert my desert tiny-ish home!

I have been learning so much from your videos. Thank you, Will. I guess people will stop laughing at me once I put together my own solar system. No one around me wants to believe me when I tell them what my plans are for my system. Keep up the great job of teaching in a manner that an old housewife (that's me) can understand.👍🤣 God bless you, Will. Thanks again🙋‍♀️

Will, your videos are the best!

Good advice, I am a sparky and built off grid DC too

Great information Will! THANKS

Facts. The quality of the tools is important.

The details are important!!! Everyone has an opinion, some reliable, some not, but they're just opinions. They teach you nothing! I really appreciate when you explain WHY something is junk, or WHY using dissimilar metals is going to be a problem down the road. Then, when no one else is around, I can actually THINK thru a problem, avoiding the pitfalls because I know the "whys" of it. ( MY 2¢) Lynn

Excellent presentation and knowledge... so good to hear information founded on expertise rather than opinion. (E.E.)

listen to him, he's absolutely spot on...

Thanks for the real time awesome information for that is very important to know to have the best wire and connections too !! You are the best I have seen on utube , you have so much knowledge and it’s great that you show how and why you need to do things .. thank you !!

You just get better and better Will. You are definitely doing what God put you on earth for.

Couldn't agree more. A friend of mine suggested going to a welding supply store they sell the best wire and lugs for a good price. They also sell it to you by the foot so you can get exactly what you need. Has worked very well for me for years now.

@MsRotorwings

2 жыл бұрын

Great idea! Thank you.

I know this comment is buried and not very additive, but I just want to say this may be the best DIY explanatory video I've ever seen. And it's about wire. I literally bought every tool you demo'd. Thank you.

Massive respect to you , I’ve noticed 102 dislikes on this vlog , obviously a mix of rouge traders and fire starters . 👍🏻

Yes yes yes! Every thing I wanted to know. Thanks!

Thank you for your very informative videos.

Great content very well explained. Thank you Will!

Nice job. Thanks for the good information and please keep it up.

Thanks, Will I mostly wire Residential some commercial and find so many mistakes on the connections even so-called pros I have always explained how Hi voltage DC is very dangerous it a so easy to find unlisted components I was so happy to see you push UL products

I’ve been a fan of will for several years. Now that I”m finally installing my solar I’m back to watching the most important video that I should have watched regularly over the years. (Yes, my memory is that bad). Now i need to go back and check my amazon order history to see what wire I will be replacing.

Agree 100%. If you HAVE to do it, get some antioxidation compound like Cu-Al aid or the Noalux which helps with corrosion issue

When I did my Solar Install, I used welding wire as you mentioned, but for connecting end lugs, instead of buying connectors specifically, I bought 20ft roll of copper tubing from hardware store that barely fits over the cable ends for $20 and used a $40 hydraulic wire crimping tool I bought off amazon for crimping them to the wire, then I would silver solder the connection and add shrink tube that has the glue to the ends, smashed the end closed and drilled a hole per whatever size bolt I needed to fit. I found I could flip the crimp plates on the crimping tool backward so the flat sides facing each other and that would allow me to use the hydraulic power of the tool to flatten the ends very easily. A trick someone told me to try that actually worked was to go to the lowesforpros site and signup for an account, then you could buy the welding cable from them with the pro discount for $1.79/ft, I paid $90 for the 50ft rolls of the 1/0 welding cable they sell on a spool. When i helped one of my friends do his solar install, we used the same hydraulic crimp tool I had for his cables along with copper tube end method, but instead of taking the time to silver solder all the wires like I did, he bought some tin soldering bars from eBay and melted them in a soup can on a little camping cooker he had and completely dipped the entire connector end and wire up to the cable insulation in the tin to fill the connector with tin and then we drilled the holes in the ends.

@Nicedesk

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

We have been repairing cars for of 30 years. We have tried and used them all. For small stuff there is one that shines above all. The Bellanco Super Crimp III. Great too. Not crazy expensive. Once you use it you won't want to use another.

thank you. you have just made me realise why some cheap solar panel cables i had so much trouble soldering the wire. its aluminium!!! i was wondering what the heck was going on with it just not wanting to solder! now i am the wiser with crap wire. thank you

This NEEDS to be a highlighted video. It is CRITICAL to a successful DIY project, Will! I love your builds, and, I've been subscribed for a year or more. But, I've never seen this video until TODAY. Excellent explanation of cold welds, and, WHY no copper clad aluminum in ANY connection. Cost vs. safety is clear. Really AWESOME & so needed by people who get comfy with the idea of building their own.

Great video and very helpful. Thank you for the education.

So many more questions after watching this, SMH. Great video, very informative

My philosophy is to buy marine grade everything. Might be expensive but I know it’s not going to corrode away on me. West Marine is a good source. Ancor products can be found on amazon as well.

I learn a lot from you thanks.. English American language helps make everything clear.. Thanks again...

I have used a couple of types of wire from temco for vaping, nichrome and kanthol the quality was always good the shipping was fast and consistent so I would definitely use them as a source for other wire in a heartbeat

Great informative video 👍 Good tools play a role in professional and precise work but usually people overlook it