8 replies to this topic

[HarrysMini]

I've done a search, but there are no threads that answer my question. 

 

I need to buy a battery cable and I've found this that looks much better quality and is considerably cheaper than Minispares' offering, it's only £7.20 a metre so about £24 for enough to do the length of the car. http://www.carbuilde...ttery-cable-red

 

Is 170 amp enough? And while I'm here, is it OK to lay the cable inside the car, for more protection?

 

Also, will this cut off switch be suitable? http://www.carbuilde...tandard-version 1000 amps for 5 secs and 100 amps continuously.

 

 

Thanks

Edited by HarrysMini, 30 March 2014 - 07:15 PM.

[cal844]

Both will be fine, make sure you mount the cutt off switch on a plate either riveted or welded to the car

[Doodling]

You can get a set of heavy duty (upto 800Amp) 4 meter jump leads of fleabay for £20 with free postage. You then have some earth cable and 4 clamps for free.

[screech]

Both will be fine, slightly bigger than the standard cable used.
Running inside the car is a good idea, just make sure to use protection through metal holes.

[HarrysMini]

You can get a set of heavy duty (upto 800Amp) 4 meter jump leads of fleabay for £20 with free postage. You then have some earth cable and 4 clamps for free.

That's a good idea, I'll see about jump leads.

 

Don't worry, the cut off switch will be securely mounted. 

[HarrysMini]

Just found this http://www.ebay.co.u...=item417e99dd63

£28 and it's 5 metres so there will be room to route it better for my cut off switch. I think 1200 amps will suffice. 

 

And I'll be able to make some earth straps as well.

Edited by HarrysMini, 30 March 2014 - 08:27 PM.

[KernowCooper]

Hang on a minuet there are more things to consider when selecting battery cable than on cost alone.

 

From experience most of these wonder start every thing on the planet for less than £30 cables the cable are very poor quality.

 

Race Cars and Aerospace use fine multi core Heavy Current Cables, which cost hundreds of pounds for a reason. You need to understand that battery cables is rated to pass a certain amount of amps and the insulation is also rated at a temperature so during cranking the insulation wont melt and allow shortage to earth of the inner live cable. and it also needs to be tested for restence to oils/petrol and automotive fitment

 

Crank over a Mini which standard takes about a surge of 170-80 dropping back to approx 150amps so 150amp cable wont be enough, you need the higher capacity such as this http://www.iem-servi...ails.asp?id=665

12.2mm size so not difficult to fit in the standard battery clips/rail, and does not suffer from voltdrop as bad over length.

 

All things to consider and why you dont see jump leads used as Main Fitment battery cables.

[HarrysMini]

I did wonder if jump leads would actually be OK to use as a permanent fitment cable.

Thanks for the link, I think I'll get that.

[HarrysMini]

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Edited by HarrysMini, 31 March 2014 - 07:30 AM.