Battery Cable Suggested Size.

[Partnership]

I am going to replace the battery cables as preventative maintenance on my 81- 48 Hatteras MY. There is no marking or indication as to the size of the current cable. Any suggestions as to the cable size would be greatly appreciated. The set-up is for twin 6V92's with 8D batteries. Thanks

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

0000 cable

 

[Partnership]

Thanks- didn't even know there was such a size!

 

[krush]

I am going to replace the battery cables as preventative maintenance on my 81- 48 Hatteras MY.

Why? Is it corroded?

 

[Partnership]

Yes- it is corroded and rubber is stiff and failing.

 

[Pascal]

Yes 4/0

Not a bad idea to replace cables that old, chances are they were probably untinned. Mines were untinned

 

[Boatsb]

Now comes the discussion on proper termination.

I use Thomas and bettes connectors. And a square die crimper.

No solder and certified for aircraft and marine.

Connectors are $7-10 each. The tool can be > $500

 

[Top Hatt Craig]

Update colors? ... http://www.marinewireandcable.com/p/marine-wire-color-codes.html

 

[SEVEN]

Update colors? ... http://www.marinewireandcable.com/p/marine-wire-color-codes.html

I'm not switching out all my wiring, could you imagine?

 

[SEVEN]

0000 cable

X2, the bigger the better

 

[Pascal]

I ve been using yellow for every D.C. Negative cable I've been replacing

 

[Avenger]

Me too, but my entire boat is getting a rewire. However, I don't think anybody is going to mistake battery cable for AC hot. So personal preference and future intent is your guide.

As far as cable size, there's a lot of math depending on voltage and circuit length. While I agree that in theory you can never have big enough cables, 4/0 is expensive and may not be necessary. That being said I easily dropped a boat buck on my cables and hardware to install four ought so I'm in a bad position to be a critic.