Question / Feedback - Solar Battery and Inverter cable type

24 May 2023

Hi all,

I've been doing some research on the "type" of conductor I should be using for the connections to the batteries and inverter. I know I need 4/0 copper, but I am not sure what the designation is for the fine strand stuff that is in a battery cable. I talked to people at Platt, and they mainly have a conductor that is something like 12 strands, and from all the videos I have watched, it all looks like hundreds of strands. Definitely not 12. I also see "welding cable" for sale, but I'm not sure if that is "right" for a battery conductor.

Any ideas on the designation for that type of conductor?

Thanks,

-Kaleb

KalebTheMaker over 2 years ago

Hi all, thanks for the feedback. I figured out a good source at Windy Nation and I was able to get everything I needed. Conductor and lugs.
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dougw over 2 years ago

High strand count is mainly used where flexibility or continuous flexing is needed, like welding cable, or jumper cables, or pulling through complex conduit. It is more expensive but not better at carrying current. I wouldn't expect your static installation to need a high strand count.
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shabaz over 2 years ago

Hi Kaleb,

By coincidence I'm looking at such cable right now, and it is specified as AWM style 3512. https://iq.ul.com/awm/stylepage.aspx?style=3512

Although it is mentioned for use in "fully enclosed" appliances, I have seen it deployed as the flexible connection to batteries. It is usually silicone, and very flexible, and comes in very large sizes.

Whether the rating is good for your intended application, I cannot say.
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