Hillbilly Heaven
Explorer
You couldn't pay me enough to use aluminum wire.
I was kidding.You couldn't pay me enough to use aluminum wire.
Of course, the landscape wire is derated from 60°C under the same conditions, so there's that.Try the copper plated aluminum wire. “The best of both worlds”
Btw, for those freaked out over landscape cable temperature rating of 60°C.
“Boat wire” and cable is listed a mere 15° higher when wet...
The take away is dont get your ‘ExPo buggy wiring wet.
LOL yah don'tThat's not a problem. To save weight, I decided to only use aluminum wire.
If anyone orders any battery cable from them, I want to know if there is any marking on the insulation.
True. I'll keep it around for landscape lighting.Its rated for direct burial, its temperature 60° is the same in wet or dry location.
That's the one I have, the FTZ model 94284.Since we're talking high amp, is this tool worth the money, or is there a better option?
FTZ Correct Crimp Heavy Duty Lug Crimping Tool - I've found it for around $150, which seems reasonable.
I can see how being able to ratchet it would allow careful positioning of the cable during the crimp. I'm usually working solo, so that would be a nice feature. From what was said on the Maine Sail site, it sounds like FTZ lugs are best for this tool.That's the one I have, the FTZ model 94284.
IMO you might want to spring for the ratcheting version, FTZ model 94285 (note the last digit is 5, not 4). It's about $50 more and I kind of wish I'd gone that way. The regular works fine, crimps are good, though.
I got mine from Bay Marine, who @john61ct mentioned. He stocks both handled versions as well the the bench mount FTZ model 94284BM. That one I believe does not ratchet either.
FTZ Heavy Duty Lug Crimp Tool - Ratcheting
This FTZ ratcheting crimper is THE tool for crimping lugs onto your battery cables. The rotating dies provide a complete crimp on all major brands of connectors, producing a solid mass of copper with every crimp for a secure, low resistance connection.baymarinesupply.com
I haven't found that to be necessary. The good manufacturers AFAIK all use the same color codes for die sizes, it's called the Color-Keyed system.From what was said on the Maine Sail site, it sounds like FTZ lugs are best for this tool.