[RE-wrenches] Battery Cables

[Phil Undercuffler]

Remember that it's not enough just to be listed -- the product must be
listed as being suitable for the application.  

Cable listed for welding equipment is tested to Standard 1276, which has
a whole book full of tests designed to prove that the product is
appropriate for the environment downstream of a welder.  These tests
prove that the cable is great stuff, robust and flexible as all-get-out
in a hellacious environment full of nasty abuse.  However, that by
itself doesn't prove that 1276 cable is suitable for the application
when connected to a battery bank.

However, if the particular welding cable is dual marked with MTW, THW,
XHHW or other UL Building Wire / NEC Article 310 markings appropriate
for a wet, corrosive environment, then voila, you've found the perfect
wire. Appropriate wire is made by a number of manufacturers -- Cobra as
mentioned earlier, Polarflex, and a handful of hypalon insulated cables.


Also, my personal .02 is that there is no stupid question.  We were all
newbies at one point, and we are all newbies again when we reach out
into new realms.  We all need to take a breath and remain humble.  Let
the learning continue!
 

Phil Undercuffler
Director, Battery-based and Off-grid
Distribution Sales Group
Conergy 
Our World Is Full of Energy
1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103
Santa Fe, NM  87507
p.undercuffler at conergy.us
Direct | 505.216.3841
Toll Free | 888.396.6611 x4841
Fax | 505.473.3830
www.conergy.us

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of
Wind-sun.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:18 PM
To: gilligan06 at gmail.com; RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Cables

It is possible to get UL listed "welding" cable, though it costs quite a
bit 
more than standard welding cable. It is the same type used in the
robotic 
welding machines and similar applications.

Although Bob-o might have come across a bit angry, I have to agree with
his 
opinion on the codes for welding cable not being "legal".
........................................................................
..........................
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979
Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/
........................................................................
..........................
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matt Lafferty" <gilligan06 at gmail.com>
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 3:02 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Cables


> Dick R wrote:
>
>> His post reflects his concern for the integrity of our industry
during
> this period of rapid growth.
>
> Me too.
>
> That being said, since there was a question in the first place, I am
glad
> the question was asked before a "code crime" was committed. It is
apparent
> to me that Jeff B was at least aware that, somewhere along the way, he
had
> heard/read/seen that welding cable is not acceptable for battery
cable. In
> my opinion, he was right to ask the question. And the answer was
provided.
> This is a wonderful example of what this forum is about and why it
exists.

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