See how many small, tinned strands in that cable? That's what you are looking for with quality cable. If it doesn't look like that, don't use it.
High Amp weatherproof connection for Truck bed
- Thread starter Amp34
- Start date
See how many small, tinned strands in that cable? That's what you are looking for with quality cable. If it doesn't look like that, don't use it.
shade
Well-known member
Well, heck. I'll just stick with the landscape cable.
shade
Well-known member
I get what you're saying, but in this case, I think it's time to scrap the few dollars of wire already in place.
If it was just in the camper space, I'd be less concerned about it, but it does run in the engine bay and cabin. Both of those areas can easily see higher temps than the insulation rating, and the cost & trouble of pulling new wire is incidental compared to the possible outcomes.
Until you've had year old cheap cable fall apart in your hands spends a few bucks more for quality wire seems excessive. And then it bites you. Your yard lights failing is no big deal. Your fridge failing in the middle of a week long trip is going to suck mightily.
If you buy the 50ft lengths of a few different gauges you'll have enough for tons of projects.
shade
Well-known member
At this point, I consider the landscape wire to be a leader for pulling the better stuff. Before it falls apart in my hands.
I was thinking about a single 100' length of 10/2 to start off. That'll give me plenty for two runs each into the truck cabin and bed, plus a short run to the front bumper to plug in my compressor. 50' wouldn't be enough, and if I'm buying 75', I may as well go 100'.
I like that website. Clean & direct. Thanks again.
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luthj
Engineer In Residence
I have gotten to the point where when I need length of wire up to 10awg, I just get a 50 or hundred foot roll. The only exception is stuff over six gauge where I usually order only if I have a specific need. It's so much cheaper, I can afford high strand count tinned wire, which is nice to work with.
That being said I have used landscaping wire in a pinch several times with good success. Insulation temperature ratings are conservative especially in a 12 volt application where voltage drop, not ampacity, is the primary concern.
That being said I have used landscaping wire in a pinch several times with good success. Insulation temperature ratings are conservative especially in a 12 volt application where voltage drop, not ampacity, is the primary concern.
Sister website http://www.bestboatwire.com/
better for spools at a time I think.
Pacer boat cable, good as Ancor.
Just keep 3-6 sizes on hand and round up.
better for spools at a time I think.
Pacer boat cable, good as Ancor.
Just keep 3-6 sizes on hand and round up.
shade
Well-known member
Interesting that they're a little cheaper than the other site, and located next door at the same industrial park. Looks like the same wire. I'll see how the shipping works out.
http://www.bestboatwire.com/about/
http://www.genuinedealz.com/about/
Hillbilly Heaven
Explorer
If anyone orders any battery cable from them, I want to know if there is any marking on the insulation.
shade
Well-known member
Yep. They're just playing the free shipping game. BestBoatWire charges for shipping, and GenuineDealz is free shipping, so it's a wash.
shade
Well-known member
That's a difference in the sites, at least for 10/2.
The BestBoatWire photo has nothing on the jacket, but the GenuineDealz photo shows: "BC-5W2 BOAT CABLE" indicates the UL rating. I'd like to see all of the jacket print, but that's a good sign. Combined with Bayou Boy's recommendation, I'm comfortable with a purchase.
Hillbilly Heaven
Explorer
If ordering large quantity of heavy battery wire then take free shipping.
shade
Well-known member
That's not a problem. To save weight, I decided to only use aluminum wire. Ok, not really.
shade
Well-known member
Looks like Amazon has Ancor 10/2 for a slightly better price, delivered. Hard to beat that.