Battery Cables

[Dave]

I'm in the process of upgrading and replacing the battery cables on my Catalina 34. The question at hand is what is the best method for attaching the connectors. I've heard soldering is not adviseable or acceptable by the ABYC. I've considered having a battery shop put the connectors on (they have a special crimping tool). My third choice is to use Anchor Connectors sold at West Marine and use the Anchor crimping tool available for free (make them up in the store)at the West Marine. I'll be using some 00 cable for an inverter installation and want to make sure my connectors are capable of the amperage the cable may carry. I appreciate any advice or experience you can share.Thanks, Dave

 

[Gary Jensen]

cable replacement

On your cable replacement there is a chart for sizing your cable. Its predicated on the length of the run and the load you are carring. You can have it made up (its the easiest way) but DO NOT forget to use MARINE GRADE MATERIAL and to shrink wrap the terminals. If you are in doubt as to the size of the wire when sizing it, then go to the larger size....Good luck

 

[Dave]

Hi Gary,I'm OK with the sizing of the cables and the requirement to put heat srink around the end connectors. What I'm looking for is advice on the preferred method of attaching end connectors so that voltage loss is kept to a minimum.Thanks, Dave

 

[Gary Jensen]

cable replaced

Dave,I recently used an electrician to correct a problem with my electrical system. What we discoveed was welding wire had been used in place of battery cable and corrosion had set in causing the inverter to give me a high battery reading yet it kept charging the batteries.This required new battery cables to be made up. The electrician was very professional in his work. He did crimp on the cable fittings before shrinked-wrapping the ends.Hope this helps!!Gary

 

[HGamsby]

Crimping Works Fine

Crimping the connections with the proper lugs and tool works fine. Soldering is an added benefit but not required. I have used the Ancor crimping tool for battery cable and it produces good solid connections. You insert the lugs into the tool and use a hammer to crimp.I recommend you use the tinned Ancor battery lugs which look to be of top quality and work best with the tool.Henry Gamsby.