Need help hooking up house batts and conveter to Distr. Panel

[Sean]

The batteries are about 20 ft from the distr. panel, while the inverter is about 10 feet due to how I would have to run cable,  what size cable should I run to the panel,

The largest single load on the DC system will be the inverter, and that will also, presumably, be the main charger.  So those cables need to be 00.  The size cables you need from the batteries to the "distribution panel" depends on the total load the panel represents.  You'll need to total that up in order to figure the wire gauge.

should I run direct from batteries to panel or can I run to the inverter and at the same attachment point on the inverter run cables to the panel

You can run from either point.  Just remember that you will need to fuse them separately.  The 200-amp fuse for the inverter can not protect the smaller cable that runs to the 12-volt panel, even if you tie the panel to the inverter.

so 2/0 is not 2 gauge, if I want 2/0 what do I ask for and where is the best place to get it.

It's pronounced "two ought."  You can get THHN 2/0 at pretty much any decent electrical supply house.  Many people prefer to run more flexible welding cable or DLO; welding cable can be purchased at welding supply houses, whereas DLO is harder to come by, but is often available from telecommunications supply houses.

HTH,

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

[ol713]

so 2/0 is not 2 gauge, if I want 2/0 what do I ask for and where is the best place to get it.

It is available at a marine supply store or at a welding supply store. I used 2/0
welding cable, it is more flexible and supposed to carry more amps.

[HighTechRedneck]

I would second Sean's suggestion of using 0000 rather than 00.  Or at least go up to 000.  00 just about reaches the specification at 198 amps rated capacity which is acceptable, but barely.  As Sean pointed out, a heavier gauge will run cooler and with less voltage drop and the inverter will be happier.

[H3Jim]

0000 is always good to use for our systems, but especially if you are going more than a few feet as DC is much more sensitive to the run length than AC.

[Dallas]

Or,

To be contrary, You could make a double run of Double Ought and have the same capacity as the four ought. I would have to look at my electrical PAL book, but I think you might be ahead price wise.

Just a thought
Dallas