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PARALLELING Conductors for AMPACITY - is that SAFE?? | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDER

22 August 2026 · 3 min · 3K views

What this video covers

Paralleling conductors for ampacity on Victron inverter-chargers was prohibited under ABYC standards until the July 2024 edition, which now permits it under specific conditions.Watch Nigel Calder explains the rule change in response to two viewer questions about why Victron requires two parallel conductors on its inverter-chargers — the inverter's terminal is too small to accept a single 4/0 cable, so Victron has long recommended doubling up on 1/0 or 2/0 conductors, a practice that previously conflicted with ABYC rules.0:18 The updated standard allows paralleling only for conductors larger than 2 gauge, provided the conductors are the same size, the same length, run together, terminated at a common point, and labeled as a pair.2:02 Overcurrent protection is then rated for the combined ampacity of both conductors.2:20 Calder also confirms a second wiring approach: running parallel conductors from the inverter to a bus bar or terminal post, then continuing with a single larger conductor to the battery bank, is also compliant, provided the overcurrent protection at the battery end is sized appropriately for both the large conductor and the parallel pair.2:40

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