weakest link regarding cables

[Sergio]

The issue is Total Resistance, not wire diameter.

As mentioned, the small diameter on a fuse wire will not "squeeze" the electrons traveling on the 2 gauge cable and restrict the current flow on the entire circuit.

I think the risk of thinking the wire gauge itself is the only thing that matters can lead to problems in 2 areas:

1) Folks worry too much about getting a big gauge cable (2, 1/0 or even 2/0 ga), but then hammer a cable lug or use improper/poor techniques to solder the lug to the cable.

The resistance of the termination on the cable could eliminate any gains realized by up-sizing the cable.

2) Assuming the same wire gauge used for an 8" segment (Voltage Converter) can be used to extend it a few more feet.

While 8" of un-bundled 16 ga wire will carry 20 amps safely, one should not use that same gauge to extend it another 3 feet.

If the goal is to reduce the total resistance on a cable set, the wire gauge is just one of the factors, and in short distances a negligible factor.

One should use the correct sized lugs (5/16" not 3/8" for batteries) and definitely don't try to make your own cable lugs out of copper tubing (seen posts here about it).

I do agree that if you are replacing or upgrading the old cables on your cart, You should do all of them at the same time for a consistent baseline.

[scrannel]

Back when they first started using electricity to light rooms people believed that if you left a bulb out of the fixture, and turned on the power, dangerous electricity "stuff" would pour out into the room.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by scrannel

Back when they first started using electricity to light rooms people believed that if you left a bulb out of the fixture, and turned on the power, dangerous electricity "stuff" would pour out into the room.

It doesn't !?

[scrannel]

Link to those deplorable days:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_--YjWiyF8e...ty-leaking.png

[Golferdave]

That was the days of Knob & tube wiring
Using bare wires
Kept critters out of the attic too.

[scrannel]

Originally Posted by Golferdave

That was the days of Knob & tube wiring
Using bare wires
Kept critters out of the attic too.

Holy crap! Scotty was right!

[tag50]

Originally Posted by Golferdave

That was the days of Knob & tube wiring
Using bare wires
Kept critters out of the attic too.

That's how Debbie Boone got the inspiration for "You Light Up My Life".


.

[Kashmir]

^ I had something of a crush on Debby Boone back in the day....