What battery cabling do I need?

[ChasB]

I'm going to rewire my battery / engine electrics. I have two karge (325 HP engines).

What type of wiring do I need? and what guage? Any other tips?

I'll probably buy from here : http://www.power-store.com/?id=63 (there are 2 more pages) unless someone can recommend a cheaper place that delivers as quickly.

Cheers!


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[pistonbroke]

[ QUOTE ]


I'll probably buy from here : http://www.power-store.com/?id=63 (there are 2 more pages) unless someone can recommend a cheaper place that delivers as quickly.

Cheers!


[/ QUOTE ]
They are as good as any, with the added advantage that they sell by the metre... I always assumed that they were trade only though!

 

[Scarron]

Just completely rewired mine with their tinned cable and Blue Sea switches, excellent stuff, not cheap but I only wanted to do it once!

I have two 170Hp petrols, one 85AH Starter battery and two 110AH domestic batteries, I took advice on mine and went slightly for overkill and used 50mm sq [1/0 gauge] mind you they spin over a treat now. So I'd think you'd be wanting to look at 62mm or even larger, All depends on the length of the cable runs and the cold cranking amp [CCA] output of your batteries combined with the stalling current draw of your starter motors.

Give them a call, they are very helpful, also make sure you borrow/buy a decent crimper to get the crimps on well, do that with tinned cable and their good adhesive heatshrink and it'll last for you out.

Why boat builders scrimp on cabling I don't know- even some of the supposedly superior brands only spec plain old copper welding cable - completely inadequate in a marine environment. - cost I s'pose, if you can't see it - must be much more important to have ever more cherry veneer.

 

[markosy]

A couple of places to try, Batt Cables ( they are based in the docklands ) or Anixter Cables, try Yell for their numbers.
I would suggest you go for Tri- rated cable it has more current capacity for it's size and is a lot more flexible. A 25mm Tri-rated should be sufficient,but speak to them and advise of starting current amps and length of cable and they will advise

 

[ChasB]

Cheers guys! Very helpful.

[ QUOTE ]
Why boat builders scrimp on cabling I don't know

[/ QUOTE ] Hmm... I had a boatyard based in Shepperton Marina fit some electrics for me a couple of years ago. On close inspection all of it was the wrong guage and had to be re-done. Seems to be more common than people realise.