what gauge starter cable?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Poolville
what gauge starter cable?
Well now that I have to replace my brand new battery (due too stupidity) I found a 400 cca replacement but was wondering if I need to upgrade the starter cable to the battery because of the higher current draw. I am currently using a 1.2 kw starter and have a high compression motor without compression releases. Thanx..
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
If you're still using the original battery cables it would be a good idea to replace them. Some aftermarket cable brands offer modern highly flexible cables, with a high strand count, which are supposed to be good. I bought some custom-made ones from a UK racing car parts supplier, similar to some I've seen advertised in the USA.
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From: NW AR
Bigger cables is always a good idea, except that they weigh more. No free lunch. However, just because you got a higher CCA battery, doesn't mean that the current is going to go up. Higher compression and bigger starter motor does, though. 1.2KW is going to be about 100 amps. You could size that based on the length of the run and compare it to what you have.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Poolville
that's correct
Thanks, I didn't think about that and you are 100% correct higher strand cables do have less resistance to current, do you think I should use a. 2 or 0 gauge cable?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
Higher strand cables do not necessarily have less resistance. And probably make no difference at all. It's complicated.
Using this tool:
http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html
which I have no connection to or even checked for being accurate, but hey, teh internet, says that for 100 amps for a 1 meter run at 1% loss, 2AWG is OK.
This tool:
http://videos.cctvcamerapros.com/vol...rop-calculator
says that the difference at 100 amps and 12V between 2AWG and 0 is 0.03V.
Now, 0 is better, right? If they both cost the same, WTF, get the 0. If the 0 is going to cost a bunch more and be a big PITA, the 2 will do just fine. .03V is probably not even measurable with most meters.
Using this tool:
http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html
which I have no connection to or even checked for being accurate, but hey, teh internet, says that for 100 amps for a 1 meter run at 1% loss, 2AWG is OK.
This tool:
http://videos.cctvcamerapros.com/vol...rop-calculator
says that the difference at 100 amps and 12V between 2AWG and 0 is 0.03V.
Now, 0 is better, right? If they both cost the same, WTF, get the 0. If the 0 is going to cost a bunch more and be a big PITA, the 2 will do just fine. .03V is probably not even measurable with most meters.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Indy
I use 0 gauge car audio cables, and they're available in different colors. Of course, there are different quality brands. I prefer Monster. They're very flexible and come in both blue and red, maybe more.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Farmington ,MS
Most wiring ampacity charts are for running the wire some distance...your battery cables will be less than 2 feet...most company's that make high output starters recommend 4 gauge for 1.4 starters...0 would be a pain in the azz.
Last edited by Tom84FXST; Feb 24, 2015 at 05:38 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
ampacity
Your main concern is not the wire but the way it is connected to the end terminals as this is were the overheating usually occures.
If you are making your own wires etc. be sure the connectors are secured properly to the cables. There are expensive tools for this but any automotive elec. shop will do the job in five mins. for very little $.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Poolville
Thanx....
What really sucks is that my bike is not where I live so I have to go look at it and report on a thread, thought that maybe it was 2 gauge but could not find a reference. I know the codes for ac current but not dc, In ac current 4 gauge is 100 amps, based on that I guess 2 gauge would definitely be more than efficient , I do have access to the high voltage dept at work so they will be able to supply and properly crimp my connectors, Thanks all. appreciate the response.
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Feb 24, 2015 at 05:09 PM.