Automotive Battery Cable Size Chart

Battery cable is used to power your electrical system and is sized according to the american wire gauge or awg for short specification for electrically conductive cables.

Automotive battery cable size chart.

So you now have a cross sectional area for your cable. In summary when selecting the correct size of battery cable you need to take into account the total maximum amperage your electrical system requires the voltage of your system usually 12 volts the total length that your cables need to be and the amount of voltage drop you are willing to accept versus the amount you want to spend. For example if the above cable size calculator says you need 3 0 sq. For very long cables for example 15 foot long battery cables to relocate your battery go one size larger.

Choosing the correct gauge automotive wire depends on the acceptable voltage drop length of the feeder branch circuit conductor load amperage and the ambient temperature of the compartment where the primary wire will pass through. Our battery cable is american made and comes in gauge awg sizes of 6 4 2 1 1 0 2 0 3 0 and 4 0 with 6 gauge being the smallest and 4 0 gauge being the largest. I recommend building cables larger than stock. Choose a higher ambient temperature when conductors are expected to pass through.

Outside engine compartments the ambient temperature should generally be 20 c. Car battery size chart all all how tos car maintenance cars 101 car truck mods cleaning detailing car buying car technology lawn garden othermotive winterizing your toys classic cars off roading racing community history of cars road trips sponsorships. Download excel versions of our cable calculators from our free resources page a bonus voltage drop calculator. Now choose the next largest cable size from the table below.

Mm which is 12 awg. The manufacturers make stock battery cables as small as possible but still get the job done.