What size cable for battery relocation?

[dillza_69]

I have searched using google engine in outers domain as well as used the outers search engine with no result.

I want to relocate my batterys to under the tray of my dual cab hilux, what size cable should i use? I am running a low mount winch.

Was thinking either 35mm2 or 50mm2, because of price i dont want the 50 if i dont need it.

[PBBIZ2]

You need to consider and answer the following, then I think the choice will be clear.

The cable efficiency will be linked to current load over the distance and heat build up due to resistance. The resistance to a large degree will be a factor of the duty cycle or how often/how long you intend to operate the winch at any one time and is a function of the cross section of the cable.

The cost of copper might appear high, but the small cables supplied with most winches reflect both the suppliers desire to keep the cost down, and perhaps their intended duty cycle for the product.

I ripped my small cables off my electric winch and replaced with 75mm2 welding lead material. These cables cost me $7/m about 5 yrs ago - no doubt more now. Add the lugs at $3 each professionally crimped and soldered by autoelec and the difference to the winch was amazing. If pulled harder and 'sounded' like it wasn't being strangled or starved. I would go larger in all cases. The cable above has approx 10mm dia copper of multicore plus the heavy insulation, so about 14mm overall dia.

Lastly, there are load tables for sizing of cables, so once you decide how much you want to compromise, you can check the load charts to confirm your thoughts. Do a google search for the info.

Hope this helps

[dillza_69]

The winch is used rarely, maybe once every 2 months. The price i got today for 50mm2 welding cable was $18 per meter. I will just go with that.

If anyone knows of somewhere to get double insulated 50mm2 flex/50mm2 welding cable cheaper than $18 pm lets hear it!

[PBBIZ2]

Try BOC Gas. They have it listed at $11.80/m trade. I walk in and pay cash and get it at this price in the Bayswater store. Can't see a store in Geelong listed though. its double insulated also 50mm2

[dillza_69]

There is a geelong store, just got off the phone to them and they want $15 a meter. Suposedly that is better than trade price

[PBBIZ2]

Maybe go back and quote the price ex bayswater? I am not sure if they run the stores as franchises or part of the business proper, but its possible they will price match - worth a call.

[dillza_69]

either way i will be getting it from BOC as they were cheapest, when i go in i will see if they will price match

Cheers