05-05-2009, 12:20 PM | #1 |
Gone Crazy
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Churubusco, IN
Posts: 2,161
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New Cables
So now that I have an electric cart, I think I read somewhere long ago not to use welding cable for the battery cables.
Is that correct, and why? What is the best choice for cables for a 1995 48V Club car? Thanks |
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05-05-2009, 12:23 PM | #2 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southern Louisiana
Posts: 290
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Re: New Cables
I would say false.....
#1 - Amps are "carried" over the exterior of the copper strands......more strands equals more amp-carrying ability.... #2 - Welding cable is very flexible, and the jacket is resistant to the harsh enviroment of golf carts.....Both make it "right-at-home" on a golf cart.... |
05-05-2009, 12:44 PM | #3 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 21
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Re: New Cables
There is another, perhaps minority, opinion floating around that the 'exterior pathway' argument is valid for high frequency alternating current and/or 'signal' applications while direct current is much less sensitive to surface area. Perhaps someone with specific training/experience will chime in here. OTOH I don't recall ever seeing anyone argue that welding cable was ill-suited for this use, and I'm pretty sure the ruggedness of the insulation and flexibility are not disputed. My suspicion is that most any 4 gauge cable will be sufficiently better than the OE 6 gauge stuff to justify the effort, assuming competently attached and appropriately sized lugs, etc.
Jus' sayin' -- Gary In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place. --- Gandhi Last edited by Z48LT1; 05-05-2009 at 12:48 PM.. Reason: added quote |
05-05-2009, 01:33 PM | #4 |
Getting Wild
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 99
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Re: New Cables
Another thing the welding cable has going for it is the fact that it has an "inner jacket" between the outer insulator and the copper strands. In high heat situations it keeps the rubber outer insulator from melting around the copper strands. If you've done any hard driving or pulling up steep hills you know the stock cables can get super hot.
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05-06-2009, 07:29 AM | #5 |
just leave me alone
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 5,643
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Re: New Cables
Heat = loss of amps, so bigger is better
more strands = more flexable, Higher Gauage = more amps (less heat) |
05-06-2009, 08:07 AM | #6 |
Getting Wild
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 99
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Re: New Cables
Yeah what he said Also, unless you are getting real radical 4ga. will be plenty.
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