Wire sizing question

[Casper]

Ok, I am currently installing duel batteries in the X. My question is this. The kit I have comes with 16mm cable, but says if you are going to use a winch with this setup you should use 35mm cable. Can I use the existing 16mm cable and run it twice? I have no problem buying the bigger cable, just don't want to if this will work. Thanks for the help.

Casper

[Bill Potter]

Several things will be in play.....

like a pipe....twice as big could flow ~ 4 times the current.

But...Electricity isn't exactly like water.... a larger percentage flows along the surface of the wire then inside the core of the wire. So...

With solid core wire the extra amount it can flow would be some function of pie + the core size flow increase.

And with strand wire more strands (to a point) will flow better then less strands.

Anyway...the point is your idea would require more then two runs....your best bet is to get 0 gauge wire for the winch runs to the battery.

Also don't forget the fuse!

[Nissanclay]

Dude, you disappear for months then BAM! Questions galore!

Oh yeah, no idea on the wire size. I say got big or go home. Just installed 220 in Tylers garage and used bigger the necessary wire and breaker.

[soccerbrace]

I have 0/T gauge wire on my dual battery set up. That is what I recommend is going with AWG (American Wire Gauge) and get the larger gauge wire. Here are some pics of my set up. I will be gettin a winch or two in the near future.

[soccerbrace]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/DSC08663.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/DSC08664.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h27/soccerbrace/DSC08667.jpg

[soccerbrace]

P.S.-Do NOT run a winch off of those side posts, as per Ian. Apparently, the metal going to those side posts is half the size of the top Terminals.

[CurleyMan]

I get my cable from a welding supplier. It is extra flexible and designed to withstand the elements...

[DamnHippie]

It wasn't me that said not to use side posts for a winch, I'm skeptical of that actually, but have no evidence either way, so I guess it'd be better to be safe in the absence of real data.

For wire sizes, I'm more used to working with AWG numbers than millimeters. For every 3 AWG numbers lower on the scale you double the cross sectional area of the wire, and almost double the current carrying capacity (ampacity). To put it another way, if you run two pieces of 4ga wire in parallel, you are effectively running 1ga wire.

For a short run (say 3-4 feet from battery to front winch) you'd be fine with 2ga. To run all the way to the back of the truck go with 0ga.

Welding cable is pretty good wire for these applications, it's way flexible and costs a lot less than the blingy wire from car audio sites/stores. Here's a place with good prices on heavy gauge welding wire:

http://store.solar-electric.com/hardware---wire.html

For large-capacity ANL fuses and fuse holders, I buy from:

http://donrowe.com/accessories/fuse_anl.html

[frontier2k1]

It wasn't me that said not to use side posts for a winch, I'm skeptical of that actually, but have no evidence either way, so I guess it'd be better to be safe in the absence of real data.

For wire sizes, I'm more used to working with AWG numbers than millimeters. For every 3 AWG numbers lower on the scale you double the cross sectional area of the wire, and almost double the current carrying capacity (ampacity). To put it another way, if you run two pieces of 4ga wire in parallel, you are effectively running 1ga wire.

For a short run (say 3-4 feet from battery to front winch) you'd be fine with 2ga. To run all the way to the back of the truck go with 0ga.

Welding cable is pretty good wire for these applications, it's way flexible and costs a lot less than the blingy wire from car audio sites/stores. Here's a place with good prices on heavy gauge welding wire:

http://store.solar-electric.com/hardware---wire.html

For large-capacity ANL fuses and fuse holders, I buy from:

http://donrowe.com/accessories/fuse_anl.html


There is some good info in this thread! I'll be doing a dual battery setup in my frontier and I'll probably place them in the cab running wires to the front and back for winches, I was hoping 2 guage would be sufficient for that. Anyone have anymore pictures of the dual battery setups?

[fusionfronty99]

can you run a dual set up but leave one in the original position under the hood n a second in the cab?

[Casper]

All good info. Thanks guys.I should have probebly added a few things to the question.
I am moving the main battery into the passenger area behind the driver seat. The second battery will go behind the passenger seat. I plan on running a 0ga wire to the winch, and probebly one size down from that to the starter. I was hopeing I could use the 16mm wire for the short (2 foot maybe) run from battery to battery (via the siliniod) After reading everything I think I will just play it safe and get 0ga (or similar welding cable) for everything.

Casper
:crazy:

[Casper]

[QUOTE=Nissanclay;38869]Dude, you disappear for months then BAM! Questions galore!

QUOTE]\
Yep, summer is for wheelin, not typing on a dam computer. Fall and winter or for asking the questions and getting the rig ready for moab. :bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

Casper
:beermug:

[soccerbrace]

Richard, I am not sure of whether or not I would keep one in the stock spot.

This is my experience:

Ian and I upgraded the ground. We put 0/T from block to frame. Then we upgraded ground from frame stiffener to battery 1 -, battery 1 - to power connector, to 2nd battery -. Make sure you clean your grounds really good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, I would upgrade the ground from Block to body (inner fender) just becauses. We ran the + from stock + all the way back behind the radiator, on top of the frame rail, to the 500A ANL fuse, other side of ANL fuse to Battery +, to HMS power connector, to 2nd battery +.

These are a few Statisitics that I have heard. Not sure of how valid they are but here they are nonetheless:

Should be identical: brand, CCA, CA, reserve.....

Should be less than a year old.....

Not sure of how valid it is about having it a identical in all the numbers, but age makes sense.

Oh, if I were going to do it all over again, I would either go with Optima BLUE top, or go with Exide Orbitals.

[soccerbrace]

Oh yeah, more regarding the stock spot. Since getting the dual battery set up, I have had a couple of starting problems. Power is fine, but will not crank. Jump it from the rear and you have the same problems. Jump it from the front, and it starts right up. I have tried jumping it with Just ground, and just Pos., but no luck. One of the reasons that I put them in the back is because I wanted to put an OBA compressor on the stock battery tray. I am not sure if I am going to do that still or just run a Powertank or similar CO2 system. That is a different topic, but that is why I moved mine.

[DamnHippie]

I'm using a single yellow-top battery right now, with 0 gauge run to front and rear winch points. Some day I'm going to add another battery, and my plan is to build a battery box under the bed behind the driver seat area. I can't think of any good reason why the two batteries need to be physically near each other, but if they're separate then you do need separate 500 amp fuses as close as possible to each battery.

If you're putting batteries inside the passenger compartment, use AGM type batteries (Optima, Excide orbital, etc). Other types of batteries give off fumes that you don't want in the cab. Also, make sure you get a deep-cycle type battery for winching or other heavy-drain applications.

If you decide on Optima brands, consider getting a Blue Top Deep Cycle rather than a yellow top. The only difference is the connectors -- blue tops use stainless steel posts that you can stack up many ring terminals on, and you get a better more reliable connection than the tapered lead posts that auto batteries use. (Unfortunately, I didn't learn about this until I had bought a yellow top.) But be aware blue tops come in standard and deep cycle, make sure you get the deep cycle.