What size cable?

jjbubaboy
jjbubaboy Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Going to make a couple of 6v battery cables and wonder if AWG #1 is good enough for the job? Considered 1/0 also but seems like overkill. Whats the consensus? :unsure:
Thanks,
Jeff

Comments

  • Marconi
    Marconi Senior Contributor
    I think #1 AWG is O.K. but before you go ahead find an old 6 volt cable and measure the cross section of the conductor and compare to #1 AWG.
  • dave s
    dave s Senior Contributor, Moderator
    Having the heavier gauge cable is paramount for 6 volt systems. The reason that cars start better with the heavier cables isn't just because the stater turns the engine over faster. It is also because the cable has a low resistance and when starting, there is less voltage drop across the cable. This allows more voltage for the ignition system to function properly. :)
  • MikeWA
    MikeWA Senior Contributor
    edited July 2011
    This is similar to the age old question regarding conventional "dry" clutch systems: "My pressure plate went out- should I replace the clutch disk while I'm at it?" YES! The disc may still have some wear left, but getting at it is the hard part, so while you're in there, replace the disc.

    If you have perfectly good 1 guage cables, it probably isn't worth the expense to make up new ones. BUT if you have to make up new cables anyway, by all means, go with the 1/0. There is no "overkill" in 6 volt wire size, and the difference in cost will be minimal.
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