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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Proper gage of battery cable

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Discussion Topic: Proper gage of battery cable

ole_Bill

02-16-2010 @ 2:21 PM

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I'm installing a battery disconnect switch in my '36 Sedan 6 volt, positive ground. I need to make up a short jumper. Is 4 gage wire sufficient for this?

buford8

02-16-2010 @ 3:34 PM

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You will have much better service if you use 0 or 1 gauge cable, this applies to all the battery cables.

ford38v8

02-16-2010 @ 6:08 PM

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Bill, a 6v battery cable must be 00 or larger. Don't even think about a 0 or 1 gauge cable.

Alan

Don Rogers

02-16-2010 @ 8:55 PM

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Bill, Ford called for a 1 gauge 61 strand copper wire. This allowed for flexibility as well as amp carrying capacity.

ford38v8

02-16-2010 @ 10:13 PM

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Don, I bow to the knowledge gleaned from Ford sources. I'd never seen the original specification.

In self defense, though, I believe you'll agree that the AWG requirement of a 75 year old Ford starter motor would be greater than old Henry would allow for back in the day. The ability to supply the starter without the drain of resistance leaves enough juice for the ignition at the time when it needs it most.

Alan

51f1

02-17-2010 @ 4:29 AM

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Use 00 cable It's best to solder it to the fittings, but a good crimp will work.

By-the-way, 00 was used on my '51 truck from the factory.

Richard

This message was edited by 51f1 on 2-17-10 @ 4:32 AM

Don Rogers

02-17-2010 @ 7:09 AM

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Bill, You need to consider all factors in selecting your cable size. If you want to do it as Henry did it, 1 gauge is the way to go. It is rated at about 130 amps continuous and will do the job nicely. 0 gauge would carry more current(150 amps) but is slightly thicker. 00 gauge is rated 175 amps and is thicker yet. Be sure to use stranded wire so it will be flexible enough to fit nicely. Your original 4 gauge possibility is only rated 85 amps and would be too small.

supereal

02-17-2010 @ 9:31 AM

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Be aware that many battery cables sold today as
"6 volt" are mostly insulation with thin conductors. We have made them up with cable from welding suppliers. It is both heavy and flexible. Most others of sufficient size are designed for building wiring, and are not easily adapted for vehicles. Now that old fashioned "stick welding" is being replaced by wire machines, it is becoming difficult to find cable.

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