Upgraded to 4ga cables. Charging time increased

[fstatum]

I upgraded my cables from 6ga. to 4ga. Seems the charging time increased. Is that expected or just in my head?

[teecro]

Just cables; nothing else? Are you absolutely sure you got all your cables back exactly where they belong? If hooked up properly and you did nothing else then yes it's in your head.....

[fstatum]

Replaced all the cables one at a time. Guess it's my imagination.

[teecro]

Originally Posted by fstatum

Replaced all the cables one at a time. Guess it's my imagination.

The imagination is a terrible thing to waste as it is willing to play games with you when no one else will.....

[720Deere]

Did you run the cart more than normal while you were "testing" the new cables? The amount of charge required by the batteries can affect how long it takes to charge. Charging time is pretty subjective since there are many variables that are almost never the same between charges.

[scottyb]

The new bigger cables would allow the motor to draw more amperage in a given amount of time so yes, recharging could be longer.

[fstatum]

Thanks Scottyb. Makes me feel better. Thought I was going crazy.

[radioman]

Originally Posted by fstatum

I upgraded my cables from 6ga. to 4ga. Seems the charging time increased. Is that expected or just in my head?

Bigger cables reduce voltage drop while charging and the charger has to work harder to get the voltage up to where the charger will cut off. The smaller jumpers had a little resistance and produced a little more voltage drop across the battery bank while charging. What you are seeming observing is possible. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

[scottyb]

tin hat area

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by 720Deere

Did you run the cart more than normal while you were "testing" the new cables? The amount of charge required by the batteries can affect how long it takes to charge. Charging time is pretty subjective since there are many variables that are almost never the same between charges.

Originally Posted by scottyb

The new bigger cables would allow the motor to draw more amperage in a given amount of time so yes, recharging could be longer.

Originally Posted by radioman

Bigger cables reduce voltage drop while charging and the charger has to work harder to get the voltage up to where the charger will cut off. The smaller jumpers had a little resistance and produced a little more voltage drop across the battery bank while charging. What you are seeming observing is possible. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

My guess is that it is a combination of the three possibilities suggested above.

If you "feel" any improved performance, your motor is drawing more energy from the battery pack and it is human nature to exploit it.
Also, getting the batteries themselves to reach the last few millivolts of the charging cutoff voltage, takes the longest.