Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Which is correct: strap or insulated cable? Which is better (if either) and why?

I have wire and was screamed at about it, so am curious....

patgreen Quote:

Who "screamed" at you???

I have "0" gauge +/- wires on my 1955 Pat. I think that is overkill, but I did it mostly for the current related to the T-L.

Craig

I also have the insulated wire cable. Like Craig's, mine is larger than stock. In my case ground goes thru a disconnect switch so I don't care if it's incorrect. The switch is remote from battery so ground cable had to be isolated. I believe Packard used the braided style ground cable exclusively after 51 models were introduced.

As to which is better for car use, different opinions. Here is one company's evaluation of pros and cons of each type in various applications.gacopper.com/Braid-Strap-Wire-Comparison.html

The majority of current flow is on the outer edge of a wire (if I remember correctly, this results from the 90 degree rule). Given that, straps provide a large surface area for current to flow and so are more than adequate for a ground.

Absolutely. The braided strap (as Packard wisely equipped this car when new) has superior current carrying ability to round cables unless you are running extremely large round wire. They aren't that difficult to find, yet you find owners/fixes who react like they are some rare, obtuse part.

Wonder if there was a mechanical or a specific reason they used round insulated ground cable prior to 51's or if that was just common for the period.