All this talk about new cables...What to expect?

Loosewire

Alright, I have to ask this...
I've read many threads about upgrading cables. I currently have original motor wiring and new 6 ga. battery cables on my cart with no other electrical mods. If I upgraded to ALL 4 ga. would I see any improvments in performance based on my current set-up? What about 2 ga.?

Is it worth the cost to buy all new 4 ga. (or 2 ga.) cables considering I am driving around on mostly flat ground with no "extreme" off-roading?

BGW

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golfcarfixer

I guess you will see some difference,I hear folks rave about it on here.I would not go to 2gauge as that would be overkill.

pansser

no speed increase, but, you will see a torque increase, also less resistance means less heat. this means a longer life for all your electrical components.

mikesmotortoys

You will see a little bit of performance in speed and torque. The 20" wheels are not "taxing" your system as much as a cart with a larger lift and 22' or 23" tires, but it will flow current better and run cooler. 2 ga is not needed in your application at all...

sunking

Loosewire here is the deal, resistance plain and simple. Larger cable = lower resistance which makes for higher current at low rpm's which means more torque at the lower speeds for a brief second ot two or when climbing up a tree. At higher speeds no meaningful effect.

Now with that said if your cart has a stock controller, 175 to 225 amps, you are not going to get much of a boost just changing out #6 AWG to #4 AWG at the cable lengths involved.

The first big jump in lower end torque is by changing out the controller to a higher amp unit say from going from 175 amps to 400 amps. The main reason for going to # 6 to #4 when upgrading is more of a safety issue rather than performance because of the short distances involved and the voltage drop developed because of current resistance product.

The higher current available from upgraded controllers can set the smaller diameter wires on fire, especially at connection points. Personally I use 2/0 cable on a 500 amp controller. Not because I get that much of a boost but from safety. My cables do not get warm thus burn up or waste power on heating up cables.

sms-shop

2/0...WOW i think he means #2 awg

dougmcp

In short runs, like between batteries, welding cable allows this current:
4ga - 100 amp
2ga - 200 amp
2/0ga - 450 amp
Theoretically speaking, matching a 400 amp controller to wiring dictates 2/0ga. Practically speaking, the demand for 400 amps is so rare that 4ga is more easily connected and gives overall good performance for the application.

white rice

I got no seat of the pants performance gain. I think that your gain is more like wires not getting as hot. Thats my opinion. Still a good idea to do before any mods i would think.

mikesmotortoys

Absolutely! 4 gauge is (should) be the first thing you do before any additional upgrades. I'm not as familiar with Club Cars, but there is a noticeable gain with a lifted TXT with 22" or 23" tires in speed and torque...

Pfretz

If I'm already running 4g cables and upgrade to an Alltrax 400 amp controller, is there anything else that I would be required to change or upgrade at that time?

Then, is there anything that is recommend to change at that time, other than a new motor, that would also improve performance or service?