2 gauge battery cable

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Racer_X, Mar 29, 2012.

  1. Racer_X

    Racer_X Maverick Hugger

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    When relocating the battery to the trunk do I have to use a 4 gauge positive battery cable? Could I use 2 gauge instead?
     
    Racer_X, Mar 29, 2012
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  2. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    Sure. Don't see a problem.
     
    injectedmav, Mar 29, 2012
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  3. simple man

    simple man Member

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    Bigger is always better, where wire size is concerned! :thumbs2:
     
    simple man, Mar 29, 2012
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  4. Joe Dirt

    Joe Dirt BBF life

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    O or 2 is the only sizes i ever use in a relocation bigger is better
     
    Joe Dirt, Mar 29, 2012
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  5. MNTony

    MNTony aka Godzirra

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    I read an article a couple years back that said to get wire with the most amount of individual strands in it. Flexibility will be higher and current carrying ability goes up. The theory is that given the same gauge wire the electrons travel on the outermost section of the strands and having more smaller wires conducts better than less wires of a thicker diameter. Just something to consider if you are comparing two of the same gauge wires with different numbers of strands.
     
    MNTony, Mar 29, 2012
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  6. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    I believe that's what's called the "Skin Effect".
     
    mojo, Mar 29, 2012
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  7. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    Can't remember wether mine was 0 or 2, but I did get it at my local welding store.:)
     
    don graham, Mar 29, 2012
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  8. Racer_X

    Racer_X Maverick Hugger

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    dose lowes have any?
     
    Racer_X, Mar 29, 2012
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  9. ford84stepside

    ford84stepside Lone Wolf

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    That's what I have always used in the past, welding lead.
     
    ford84stepside, Mar 29, 2012
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  10. ptpdub

    ptpdub Member

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    x2 welding cable
     
    ptpdub, Mar 29, 2012
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  11. MNTony

    MNTony aka Godzirra

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    Thanks Mojo, I believe you are correct!
     
    MNTony, Mar 29, 2012
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  12. mercgt73

    mercgt73 Member Supporting Member

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    Skin effect is not present in DC current. Skin effect is a function of frequency, which is 0 in DC applications.
    The main reason for stranded wire is the flexibility. If large gauge wire was not stranded, it would be a bear to use.
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2012
    mercgt73, Mar 29, 2012
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  13. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    U are correct abt skin effect being a product of AC and frequency. Thanks for the correction. I never thought the effect was only a AC product.
     
    mojo, Mar 29, 2012
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