Thread: what size battery cable should I run???

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......Hi all, I'm going to re-locate the battery in my '32 Ford to the trunk. Right now it's behind the seat. Plus the cables currently run inside the car & I read in a recent post on the site that it's better to have them outside mounted on the frame. So this is what I'm going to do. But, I'm not sure on what size cable to use. I saw a kit on Jeg's that used #1 cable, Is this big enough???? THANKS Bill

i use welding cable size O

....THANKS Pat, well, I called a couple of local auto parts r/e; I need some battery cable that I can cut to length that I need. No one seemed to have it. THIS solves that problem!!! I'll just go to a Welding Supply Store!!!!! Thanks again, Bill

I use 1/0, and get it at a marine supply store. The sell it by the foot, as well as the appropriate ends.

Don

Originally Posted by billlsbird

....THANKS Pat, well, I called a couple of local auto parts r/e; I need some battery cable that I can cut to length that I need. No one seemed to have it. THIS solves that problem!!! I'll just go to a Welding Supply Store!!!!! Thanks again, Bill

While you're there, also purchase the lugs to terminate the cables. In my opinion, welding cable is the best there is for long runs on autos. If you do the research, you'll find that it uses quite a bit more strands of a smaller size and is more flexible than the same gauge automotive-type cable available at parts stores. I'm a good customer at Phoenix Welding Supply.

I've never used marine cable like suggested by Don, so I cannot compare it. But if Don has used it and approves it, that's good enough for me.

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I use 1/0, and get it at a marine supply store. The sell it by the foot, as well as the appropriate ends.

Don

.....Thanks Don, I checked with West Marine & the 1/0 gauge battery cable is $13.69 a foot! Does this sound right? I'm putting my battery in a sealed box in the trunk plus installing a Flaming River cut off switch. So I figure I'll need about 11 feet of cable which comes to $150 + tax. Is this cable that much better than regular automotive cable? It sounded like it was way more durable & resistant to the elements than the auto cable. So I'll go for it if it makes a difference.... What's your opinion? Thanks again, Bill

I worked for West Marine for years, and ever since they bought out Boat U/S, they evidently feel they have no competition, so the sky is the limit. Their prices have all gotten ridiculous IMO.

I just phoned a local marine store, the Marine Trading Post, and their price is $6.50 a foot. That is the kind of store you are looking for. Most larger cities have these kinds of places. West Marine and Boaters World have become places that only want to sell stuff in prepackaged boxes, and who do not mind marking stuff up significantly.

Don

I run mine under my seat and use #1 and them moved it into my bed with a homemade battery holder and the #1 still woked OK.

You can find it on e-bay but beware some guys are selling some crapy wire. Dont forget to upgrade your negative cables also, you know batt. to body,batt. to motor, motor to frame, frame to body. I did this after reading about it and my voltage went up a extra 1.5 volts.....

So you guys would frown on a kit like this...?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Unive...WDVWQQtcZphoto

just go to a welding shop. they will have short lengths . they cannot use cable that has a tear, because it might short to a steel plate they are working on. Copper is about 2.50 a pound now, so expect to pay about a 1.50 a foot for the used.

I used the welding wire and I am very pleased, it's tough as nails and reasonably priced. My records said I paid $3.65 pft for it 3 years ago.

Originally Posted by Gusaroo

So you guys would frown on a kit like this...?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Unive...WDVWQQtcZphoto

No, those are defenitly nice if there is a tight budget...Or if you are just doing it to move some weight around your 32 Ford and not really worried about "REALLY" good voltage system ,there fine.

1/2" solid copper bussbar would probably be cheaper.

BUT that would come with its own problems...

I would stay away from the solid copper... current flows more along the surface of the "wire" especially high frequencies (spark draw). With a solid bar the total surface area of the "skin-depth" is small compared to stranded wire (each strand carries the same "skin-depth" area). Full disclosure, I'm using #1 automotive wire but it's been recommended to me locally to use 2/0 welding cable for it's lower resistance and more importantly, it's flexibility makes it easier to work with. My wiring is a mess and I may go this route at the end of the season...

Two cents,

Chris