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 KZfaq 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!

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.

"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!!!!

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.

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

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

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.

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 KZfaq videos.

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

your communication skills are impeccable

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 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.

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!!

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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 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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Very good info Will, like how you present and talk

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!! 👍

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

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

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!

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

He Will. You are one of my absolute favorites on KZfaq 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 KZfaq 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 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🙋‍♀️

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

Great information Will! THANKS

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.

Will, your videos are the best!

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

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 !!

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

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

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!

"...so you don't have to think and you will have a solid system" I love it Will, you obviously have no illusions about DIY people :)

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

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

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

Great content very well explained. Thank you Will!

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

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.

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

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

Facts. The quality of the tools is important.

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.

Thank you for your very informative videos.

Great Job Will!! I might have to do one on DIY Wire. Bet most have no clue the differences. There are wires to use for certain projects. For Example, I would never use the same wire I used on my home, or a solar panel system and inverter compared to the wire I would use for an Ebike or smaller DIY Projects. I love videos like this, so easy to use as a reference when someone asks the questions and this is asked all the time. Thank you for posting!!!

"You wanna spend more money and get the good strippers" def lifesaving advice!!!

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

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

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

*always helpful I need to watch it again*

How did u become sooooo smart..damn...im inspired to learn more because u explain things so perfect..thanks

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

Thanks I did not know cca wire was a thing to watch out for!

Thank YOU! Looking to wire now😁

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

Will, you are an inspiration

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

What a great and informative video. Thanks for taking the time to share.