Van Life & Camping
12V System Wiring Diagram
Jordan MitchellJanuary 20265 min read
Interactive Diagram
Required Components for 12V System
Solar Panel Array
- 1-2 × 200W panels (12V nominal)
- Panel voltage: 18-22V VOC
- Panel current: 10-12A each
- Total power: 200-400W
Charge Controller
- 12V MPPT controller
- Rating: 30-40A
- Efficiency: 95%+
- Max PV input: 50V
Battery Bank
- 12V LiFePO4 or AGM
- Capacity: 100-200Ah
- Discharge rate: 0.5C max
- BMS protection built-in
Inverter
- 600-1000W pure sine
- 12V input
- 120V output
- Surge: 2× continuous
Recommended Wire Sizes
| Connection | Current | Recommended Wire | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Panel → Controller | 10-20A | 10 AWG | 20 ft |
| Controller → Battery | 20-30A | 8 AWG | 5 ft |
| Battery → Inverter | 80-100A | 4 AWG | 3 ft |
| Battery → 12V Loads | 10-20A | 12 AWG | 15 ft |
| Inverter → AC | 8-10A | 14 AWG | 10 ft |
⚠️ 12V System Safety Notes
- Use proper fuses - a 12V system can still cause fires
- Always fuse the battery positive line within 12 inches of the battery
- Use the correct gauge wire for your current draw
- Never connect 12V appliances directly to panels without a controller
- Check all connections periodically for signs of corrosion
Ready to Build Your Van System?
Check out our recommended 12V components or use our calculators.