Cable upgrade

[CartTrader]

Doing an upgrade of power cables. What is the difference between the high strand count wires and the lower strand count, besides flexability? Doing the longer cables first, when I got to the last one I was short about 4" on the last piece of cable to complete it. Using 4 gauge wires. I have a battery cable for a car that it 4 gauge. What would happen if I used it for the last piece? About an 18" long cable. I was using welding cable until I ran a tad short.

CartTrader

[rabbitreborn]

The high strand count wire also have better conductance, but in a pinch (like this) you should be fine using the low strand count stuff for awhile.

[CartTrader]

What problems would I have if I leave the battery cable on instead of changing it to welding cable?

CartTrader

[gornoman]

Let's pretend you have 12 cables, and 11 of them are the welding cable and 1 is the battery cable. The 11 will now be restricted by the one. A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.

[scottyb]

The automotive battery cable is made for 12v and 160 cranking amps (+/-)
The welding cable is made for 240v and 400 amps..... Gorno is right go get a short piece and finish it right...

[easydoesit]

now that we are on the subject, are their any specific cables other then custom making them that you guys can recommend. I was going to order some on Ebay but refrained bc of uncertainty. Some have a rubber sheath and different endings. Also, what 48v solenoid should I go for? Interested in 2ga since eventually going with 500amp Alltrax. First choice, if available, would be through site sponsor. thx

[scottyb]

There sure are a bunch of variables when trying to evaluate this stuff. I would venture to say tha if you are looking at the least expensive cable you can find (on ebay) you are going to get what you pay for.... I buy the highest quality and strand count cable I can find and solder on solid copper ends with silver solder. I'm not giving up all my tricks to keep the connections from corroding but I know that the stuff on ebay can't come close to the quality you can buy or make yourself.

[CartTrader]

Originally Posted by scottyb

The automotive battery cable is made for 12v and 160 cranking amps (+/-)
The welding cable is made for 240v and 400 amps..... Gorno is right go get a short piece and finish it right...

Well That put things into perspective. I didn`t know different stranding would make a difference in the amount of amps it would carry being the of same gauge wire. Guess I need to go out and get me some more welding cable!! :-)

CartTrader

[easydoesit]

Money is not an issue, at least not for cables. I don't settle for anything that's sub par. And I do agree with you about your Ebay comment. At least for the most part. Again, that's why I'm asking this question? thx

[scottyb]

Reason I said that is I like to surf ebay too but I have bought some things there that looked to good to be true and guess what