Battery cable

[Cloven]

Can anyone advise me as to the correct size/specification of the main cable needed for an engine start battery for a diesel engine.

Thanks for any replies

 

[boatbuilder]

I usually use 50sqmm multistrand,

 

[markdj]

Depends what size of engine. If you have a manual it will give you the cranking load in amps. You can then measure the distance of the cable run from battery to engine starter and then use the many tables available to calculate the recommended cable area. The manual may give the recommended cable size in AWG or mm2.

 

[Talbot]

Not just what size engine, but also what length of cable.

 

[Cloven]

Thanks for the replies so far. Its a Yanmar 2GM 20, cable length approx 1 metre.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

"Thick as yer thumb" to quote an old gentleman of my acquaintance.

 

[Birdseye]

Twice as thick as a cheepo jump lead at least! In case you ever have to start the engine from a nearly flat battery, use a decently thick cable for the minimum power loss. You dont need any great length of it anyway.

You can get the necessary stuff from an auto electricians

 

[rogerthebodger]

I use welding cable usally 50 to 80 sqmm fine multistranded

 

[markdj]

As I said, depends on size of engine and length of cable run. Hope I made that clear in my post...

Depends what size of engine. If you have a manual it will give you the cranking load in amps. You can then MEASURE THE DISTANCE of the cable run from battery to engine starter and then use the many tables available to calculate the recommended cable area. The manual may give the recommended cable size in AWG or mm2.

Check out

http://www.merlinequipment.com/downloads/Visio-Lifetime%20Brocure%20Web%20Edition.pdf

for the formulae and a table guide.