Re: Battery cables - opinions wanted

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2023/9/8 11:05:48

As it's safety related, I don't know if I read this incorrect or wasn't stated, but the positive cable to ground (6VDC + grd) should be insulated not bare braid?
You don't want the possibility of arcing with spurious contact. The batt shut off goes on the negative side to prevent arcing, typically, so maybe what was referenced.
The length of the cable run is req'd to know the in service effect of wire size - regardless of personal experience... Braided cable is typically more expensive with size than twisted.
The length of cable will affect the size as the voltage drop/ft will determine how much it loses/heats. Gauge is one of those round up, not down, rules. I had to go through this calc for an auxiliary feed on the tractor and caused the next higher ga. 2% drop is heuristic. If it's a short cable not much difference between the two spoken, twenty % on a long cable might be an issue, as in a trunk mount, etc. Conversely, in a short run, the cost difference between a 00, and o is negligible. Cost of terminals and manufacture similar. Wire pricing varies with insulation class, availability, etc. too.
I prefer/chose 00 for 6 VDC cables. Takes out any ampacity issues. These cars are limited by voltage so supplying proper amps for power is critical to performance.
I know I researched this for the P, the info was in the parts list or manual. So if not adding length with the shutoff, should be the same as factory. The issue today is it's a twelve volt world and 6 VDC not given proper respect.