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I would suggest getting actual battery cables. Underhood temperatures can get quite high (240 F) and welding cables are not insulated with material to withstand underhood temperatures.
Do not "make do" with some other cable, use an actual battery cable engineered to do the job. RFW has other kits of different lengths and battery terminal types to meet your need.
Summit Racing is a dealer for Ron Francis so you may get a better price.
Well, Ron Francis is not the end-all place for wiring or advice. Yes, they do have a few unique products, but their prices can't be justified. I'm really curious as to what situation you would have to see 240° temps under your hood.
And fwiw, real welding cable is MSHA certified heat and flame resistant.
Originally Posted by fordf348
Why does one need flexible cable for your battery cable? Welding cable is constantly dragged around and location changed repeatedly. Battery cables are in the same place all the time, maybe moved a bit to clean the terminals or disconnect from the battery but for the most part they stay in one spot.
With flexibility comes the resistance to vibration, not to mention the ease of installation.
Welding cable has half again as much current carrying capacity of the same size AWG battery cable.
Disclaimer: I am not associated in any way with any welding cable supplier or dealer.
O. K. I did some more research and found these two articles by wire and cable suppliers. The both say that the right gauge welding cable is acceptable if you need the flexibility.
In the past I had always heard that using welding cable was a bad idea. I stand corrected. Just understand that welding and battery cables are constructed differently with different insulation.
As a side note, I do not have any affiliation with Ron Francis Wiring. I have used their products and they have long time experience in the auto wiring field.
Ok, got it. Pure copper. Who in their right mind would buy CCA battery cables? Are they even sold?
Cold Cranking Amp, CCA ? Who said they bought CCA Battery cables? And what are CCA Battery cables? I though CCA was a battery rating? Can you explain please? Thanks.
Cold Cranking Amp, CCA ? Who said they bought CCA Battery cables? And what are CCA Battery cables? I though CCA was a battery rating? Can you explain please? Thanks.
Ah ok! Why does Aluminum have a bad reputation in electrical? Is it not stable? I take it you don't like the CCA cables as opposed to 100% stranded copper.
CCA in that instance does not refer to Cold Cranking Amps, but Copper-Clad Aluminum/Copper Coated Aluminum wire... CCA Wire is less expensive than solid/straight copper at the detriment of just about any other positive electrical property. CCA is often unscrupulously marketed as having a copper conductor to intentionally mislead those who think they are getting traditional copper wire.
Ah ok! Why does Aluminum have a bad reputation in electrical? Is it not stable? I take it you don't like the CCA cables as opposed to 100% stranded copper.
Aluminum is ok for house drop cables and some feeder applications (per the NEC) where it is not exposed to vibration and cold working embrittlement.
Dissimilar metals, with the copper being the most noble on the galvanic scale. Expect high corrosion and failure in the wrong environment.
Aluminum conductors need to be half again the AWG size of copper conductors to carry the same load.
Note that many new vehicles are now using cca conductors for cost and weight considerations. Way cheaper than pure copper. Expect recalls.
