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Kevin in NJ · 03-13-2018, 07:17 AM

V=IR

That is voltage equal current times resistance.
A heavier cable is needed to carry more current. At a higher voltage you need less current to flow so you can get away with thinner wires. This is why the electric company jacks the voltage way up to transmit it long distances as there is less loss.

So back to 12 vs 6. If you double the voltage in the above equation you halve the current flowing. I am assuming you remember some algebra.

Essentially you end up halving the amount of current needed to get the same amount of energy across. BUT, it also means you can get away with crappy connections as there is less loss on bad connections or a few broken strands of wire. So 12 volts can also be a band aid fix for poor wiring and poor grounds.

03-13-2018, 07:17 AM	#2
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Six volt vs. twelve volt wiring V=IR That is voltage equal current times resistance. A heavier cable is needed to carry more current. At a higher voltage you need less current to flow so you can get away with thinner wires. This is why the electric company jacks the voltage way up to transmit it long distances as there is less loss. So back to 12 vs 6. If you double the voltage in the above equation you halve the current flowing. I am assuming you remember some algebra. Essentially you end up halving the amount of current needed to get the same amount of energy across. BUT, it also means you can get away with crappy connections as there is less loss on bad connections or a few broken strands of wire. So 12 volts can also be a band aid fix for poor wiring and poor grounds.