Battery cable insulation? |
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Wilhelm Hertzog
Senior Member Joined: June-14-2014 Location: Cape Town Status: Online Points: 334 |
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Posted: May-06-2020 at 11:08am |
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I'm replacing my battery cables (too much voltage drop across them). The only tinned copper cables I can find have silicone insulation. I understand that silicone is less resistant to chemicals like fuel and oil (which the cables may well come into contact with on occasion) than PVC. But I cannot get hold of tinned copper cables with PVC insulation. So which is preferable:
1. More corrosion resistant tinned copper cables in a less chemical resistant insulation (silicone), or 2. Less corrosion resistant bare copper in a more chemical resistant insulation (PVC)? Thanks for any advice, much appreciated. |
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1982 Ski Nautique PCM351W RR II Velvet Drive 10-17-003 1:1 II PerfectPass Stargazer
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. |
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Duane in Indy
Platinum Member Joined: October-26-2015 Location: Indiana Status: Offline Points: 1578 |
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Right or wrong I used welding cable. Crimped and soldered the terminals. Used shrink wrap and then liquid tape. They will last plenty long for me. Welding cable is very flexible. I am sure there will be other opinions here also.
edit: per google**** Welding cable is approved for use in power supply applications in which the voltage does not exceed 600 volts. ... It makes a superior alternative to battery cable and can also be used in marine applications, but the insulation needs to be oil and water resistant as to not become saturated.Dec 11, 2018 |
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Keep it as original as YOU want it
1978 Mustang (modified) |
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8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
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This is what happens if the cables aren't tinned. Yes, the OEM cable isn't tinned but that's why it's a common failure. |
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Duane in Indy
Platinum Member Joined: October-26-2015 Location: Indiana Status: Offline Points: 1578 |
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You are so predictable. Time period that this happened?? What type environment??? |
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Keep it as original as YOU want it
1978 Mustang (modified) |
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Wilhelm Hertzog
Senior Member Joined: June-14-2014 Location: Cape Town Status: Online Points: 334 |
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So rather go for the tinned cable with silicone insulation and try to keep it clear of any nasties in the bilge? |
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1982 Ski Nautique PCM351W RR II Velvet Drive 10-17-003 1:1 II PerfectPass Stargazer
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. |
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Wilhelm Hertzog
Senior Member Joined: June-14-2014 Location: Cape Town Status: Online Points: 334 |
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Pete, are your comments in this Battery Cables thread still best practice for connecting lugs to battery cable ends? I.e. both crimp and solder? I'm aware that soldered connections are not recommended elsewhere (because they make the wire stiff/brittle and prone to shearing, I believe), but is it different with battery cable?
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1982 Ski Nautique PCM351W RR II Velvet Drive 10-17-003 1:1 II PerfectPass Stargazer
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. |
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8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
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Wilhelm,
I still like to solder lugs on battery cables just to keep any possible moisture out and create the best connection. In my opinion, the warning about the practice is for connection that are being flexed such as a wire running to an engine component. |
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