Cable for linking two 6 volt batteries

Tom Cleary
Tom Cleary Solar Expert Posts: 37

Hello,

I would like to link in series two 6 volt Amstron AGM deep cycle batteries (model APGC2) that I am purchasing from Atbatt. I wonder what gauge battery cables will work for this purpose?  

The cables will also require battery eyelets wide enough to fit over the secondary posts of the Amstron, and I wonder if it is better to find a vendor for them or plan on making my own?  Any suggestions would be extremely welcome (:

 Tom

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Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    What is the maximum current you plan on pulling/charging with the battery string?

    Making good quality cables usually requires a hydraulic crimping tool and finding the right terminal ends. If this is a one off job--If you have a local/helpful battery shop (or welding supply company), let them make the cables for you.

    If you are a DIY type person, there are manual "hammer" crimpers and sometimes you can find a good deal on hydraulic.

    One poster here bought a cheap bold cutter--Used a torch to heat the cutting blades to remove the temper. Drilled holes in the blades to crimp. Then reheated the blades and quenched them (old or water?) to re-temper. Was very happy with the results.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • dropkick
    dropkick Registered Users Posts: 23
    I used this company's on my latest build: http://www.pv-cables.com/Products-Battery_Cables.html They do all the regular custom sizes and options, in 3/8 or 5/16 rings. Seem to have good workmanship and reasonable prices.
    6 250W Renogy panels / Morningstar TriStar MPPT 60 charge controller / 8 Costco CG-2 batteries @ 24V / Samlex PST-1000-24 inverter / Samlex SDC-23 24/12V converter and BG-60 LVD / Midnite Solar boxes, breakers, etc.
  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,885 ✭✭✭✭
    It isn't hard to make cables. It isn't worth getting the equipment unless one needs quite a few.

    Our host offers a variety of cables: http://www.solar-electric.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=battery+cables&cat=0

    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
  • zoneblue
    zoneblue Solar Expert Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭✭
    Or do what i did before i got a crimper, take it to your local auto electrician armed with a few beers,
    1.8kWp CSUN, 10kWh AGM, Midnite Classic 150, Outback VFX3024E,
    http://zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=off-grid-solar