12V vs 48V inverter showdown ⚡️ Which voltage should you pick—and how does it change your copper wire size, heat, and voltage drop? Quick math: P = V × I. For ~2,000W, 12V ≈ 167A; 48V ≈ 42A. Higher voltage = lower current = smaller wire, lower losses, cooler/safer installs, and easier routing. My 12v, 24, 36, 60v 72v and 48v pure sine wave inverter pick (affiliate): https://amzn.to/4mlu0ni DIY Solar playlist ▶︎ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5alzx0OUcSOq91D6cIdeIbkbeS6J6svx Why 48V often wins: Smaller copper for the same watts (think AWG 6–8 vs 1/0–2/0 in many cases—verify with charts & distance). Lower voltage drop on longer DC runs. Higher inverter efficiency at load and less heat. When 12V still makes sense: Small systems (campers, kayaks, small RVs, portable power boxes). Short DC runs with modest loads and existing 12V gear. Wire sizing tips: Use amp load + round-trip distance + acceptable voltage drop (often ≤3%). Check insulation temp rating (75/90°C), bundling, ambient heat. Fuse at the source (Class-T/MRBF/ANL as appropriate), add DC breakers, proper lugs, and strain relief. Keep DC runs short; put inverter close to batteries; go AC longer when possible. Follow NEC/local codes and manufacturer specs. Example math: 2,000W @ 12V ≈ 166.7A ➜ big copper, short run. 2,000W @ 48V ≈ 41.7A ➜ much smaller wire, easier routing. (Always verify with a proper wire-gauge/voltage-drop calculator.) Affiliate disclosure: I earn a small commission if you use the link—no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting TackleThat! Keywords: 12V vs 48V inverter, inverter sizing, off-grid solar, LiFePO4 battery, wire gauge, copper wire size, voltage drop calculator, Class-T fuse, ANL fuse, DC breaker, MPPT charge controller, battery bank, server rack battery, RV solar, vanlife power, e-bike charging station, electric quad charging, off-grid cabin, pure sine inverter, solar generator, busbar, welding cable, marine cable, NEC code, DIY solar power, TackleThat #DIY #Solar #Inverter #12V #48V #WireGauge #Copper #LiFePO4 #OffGrid #RV #VanLife #VoltageDrop #Battery #MPPT #PureSine #TackleThatamp load + distance, and always use proper fuses/breakers. Check your local codes. #DIY #Solar #Inverter #12V #48V #WireGauge #Copper #LiFePO4 #OffGrid #RV #VanLife #Battery #VoltageDrop #TackleThat