Re: how long is to long of battery cable?
Hi I just added a 2nd battery and switch and was just wondering how long is to long of cable to run from the betteries to the switch?
The issue is this:
Excessive voltage drop impairs the starting and the operation of electrical equipment. Undervoltage can result in inefficient operation of heating, lighting, and motor loads. An applied voltage of 10 percent below rating can result in a decrease in efficiency of substantially more than 10 percent ? for example, fluorescent light output would be reduced by 15 percent, and incandescent light output would be reduced by 30 percent. Induction motors would run hotter and produce less torque. With an applied voltage of 10 percent below rating, the running current would increase 11 percent, and the operating temperature would increase 12 percent. At the same time, torque would be reduced 19 percent.
PowerStream Technology
Distance becomes a factor in the equation since as distance grows so does resistance. The longer the wire the larger gauge it needs to be to deliver the same required volts and amps.
You can find tables like this on the net to aid you in matching wire gauge to load.
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
Perhaps a little intimidating at first glance. Worth studying and figuring out how to use.
There's a plug-n-play calculator below the table. Enter the wire type, wire size you installed, system voltage, length, max load the cable needs to be able to carry.
Now see where you stand with the loss limit(s) allowed by the manufacturer(s) for your equipment.
