Electrical question

[Vagrant No2]

I am still rebuilding my Lotus when I can . I need the help of an electrician to answer this question . I am running a new main cable from the battery mounted in the boot to the starter solinoid under the bonnet . Question is : I have removed the old cable which is 10mm copper with a few strands and want to replace it with a new cable which I bought at the Uxbrige show last year . This cable is multi fine core and also 10mm copper . Can I use this or am I going to loose amperage under crancking conditions ?
I want to use this cable as it more flexable and easier to route through the car body the the old stiffer cable .

Rick

[kitesurf_phil]

As long as the replacement cable has the same cross section (mm Sq) you will be fine Rick. In fact the cable you have as a replacement is better than the one you removed. It is more flexible and is less likely to break through flexing or vibration.

[Vagrant No2]

Cheers Phil

Thats what I thought , just wondered that the fact of the new cable being a fine multi strand there might be the possability of it heating up quicker due the the finer core abit like a heater element and loosing current flow.
I will now fit the new cable once I get some new ends to solder on and drill out the bulkhead for it .

Rick

[Gamedawn]

When you say 10mm I presume that's the diameter of the copper core. If so that makes the cable 25 or 35sqmm and that should be fine. When I was building rally cars we always used to use welding cable for the main battery run - super flexible and thick insulation.

[Vagrant No2]

When you say 10mm I presume that's the diameter of the copper core. If so that makes the cable 25 or 35sqmm and that should be fine. When I was building rally cars we always used to use welding cable for the main battery run - super flexible and thick insulation.

Roger , yes I quoted the actual core diameter not the overall dia inc insulation . I am sure this is welding cable and thats why I want to use it like you said 'flexable and thicker insulation .' The guy who sold me the cable said it was for 12v cars , but I wanted to double check with you guys before I ran it . Not a bad job if the battery was in the engine bay , but the whole interior would have to be removed again if once I fitted the cable from rear to front and it was no good .
I am pretty good on electrics , but sometimes I need a bit more reasurance .

Rick