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Old 02-17-13, 07:10 PM   #24
Xringer
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This is RF cable. It's not designed for DC use, therefore, there is no DC voltage or current spec.
But, people have used it at high DC & AC voltages. I've used RG8 at 2,000 volts DC @ 300 to 400 watts, with no problems.
Because of the center conductor's size, there is going to be a limitation on current.
(See the loss info above). It's current squared x R.

If you had a real long run of small size wire with 2 ohms of resistance,
the loss at 10A would be 100 x 2= 200 watts of wasted power..
But, if it was 20A, 400 x 2 = 800 watts of loss.
40A would be 3.2 kW of loss.. Those wires would be kinda warm!

Here's some RG8 info on higher voltages.

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RG8 is water proof and UV resistant. It's been used outdoors for decades (radio antenna connections).

BUT, I'm pretty sure that using any kind of coax for PV won't meet code around here..
www.senecass.com/NEC2000.pdf

I don't think any city electrical inspector would allow you to use anything
that didn't meet NEC and/or local codes.


One might use Coax for low current / high voltage for PV, during an emergency when no other cable is available.
Or, you might use it strictly for experimental research or testing to see if it
is really a safe temporary replacement for NEC approved cable.
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