Battery Cable size question

scheek
scheek Registered Users Posts: 26 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I have been advised to use 4/0 battery cable with my 24v battery banks. I have now realized that I have a big supply of line wire (type used between street poles) on hand. I have looked at it closely and I have two sizes. The smaller within the insulation is 1/4" with 7 aluminum stranded wires with in it. The larger wire is nearly 3/8- 1/2 in dia within the insulation with nearly 24 strands of aluminum wire.

I don't know the formulas to calculate the ?/0 size. What /0 is this possibly? Is this something I can use to save money on my battery cable network. if so, I make my own up?

Any help would be appreciated.
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • scheek
    scheek Registered Users Posts: 26 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: Battery Cable size question

    Here are the pics of the wire


    Attachment not found.Attachment not found.
    · Share on Twitter
  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Battery Cable size question

    It's aluminium; don't use it.
    Aluminium has problems with connections; they corrode easily unless the connections are made just right. It also does not conduct as much current for the same diameter as copper. 4/0 copper, for example has a diameter of 0.46 inches and can handle 300 Amps. Aluminium would have to be about twice the size to handle the same amount of current.
    · Share on Twitter
  • NorthGuy
    NorthGuy Solar Expert Posts: 1,913 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: Battery Cable size question

    That's hard to tell. You need to measure the diameter.

    This is a rigid cable. It's very hard to work with it. Usually batteries are wired with soft welding cables.
    · Share on Twitter
  • scheek
    scheek Registered Users Posts: 26 ✭✭
    #5
    Re: Battery Cable size question

    Dang! Well, what's a little more money. I've about got this thing whipped anyway now. Any tips on saving money on the 4/0 wire and cable ends? I've heard welding wire does a good job. I don't mind making up my own. Where is a good source for this and any advise?

    Thanks.
    · Share on Twitter
  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: Battery Cable size question

    Check out your local welding supplies outlets and compare prices!
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
    · Share on Twitter
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: Battery Cable size question

    Wind-sun has good prices for the lugs, and I think they have pre-made wires too. And UL rated Locomotive Cable (fancy welding cable)
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

    · Share on Twitter

Categories