what gauge battery cable???

[redone4x4]

I have been reading all these dual battery posts lately, and im thinking about doing mine. I have about 40' of 6 gauge marine battery cable and 2 batteries already. Is that big enough? the longest run would only be a couple feet. What have you guys been using, and are there any minimum requirements that come with the battery switches?

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what gauge battery cable???

Six gauge wire is not big enough if you intend to start your engine pulling current through that wire. Think about it. The battery cables on the engine are three times that size. Everything between the batteries and the switch must be the same size or larger than the current battery cables going to the engine.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: what gauge battery cable???

so the cables I have on there now are 2 gauge? I had to replace the negative cable a few years back and I didnt think it was that big. Well, sounds like my plan wont work, ill need different cable.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what gauge battery cable???

6 or 8 gauge wire is typically used to run a trolling motor. Starters draw a lot of current hence the much larger cables. The feed from the COM terminal on the switch to the distribution panel (fuse/breaker panel) at the helm can be 6 gauge although 8 or 10 would suffice for most boats. From the panel most options on a boat can be 16 gauge. The cable from the COM terminal on the switch back to the starter solenoid needs to be battery cable size as well.