HELLO WRENCHES,
 
    The new RE TEST LAB is conducting its first experiment.  At this time, we are operating with minimal funding, and therefore picked an experiment that is low cost.  It does, however, have the potential to test the suitability of various types of cable for battery compartment use. 
 
THE EXPERIMENT
 
    Various types of cable insulation will be soaked in battery acid.  The first specimen is now in a test bath.  A glass jar with standard strength battery acid has a  2" piece of insulation soaking.  This specimen is from Hypalon Diesel Locomotive cable, one of the varieties "approved" for battery compartments. 
 
    Soon, other jars will be added.  Samples on the way include welding cable, "Trace" cable and type THHN cable. 
 
QUESTIONS FOR WRENCHES
 
    So far, the only parameter that we have been able to come up with that is unique for battery compartments is acid resistance.  Do any Wrenches know of other parameters that may be important? 
 
    Traditionally, battery and inverter cables have been of the finely stranded variety.  (2/0 Hypalon Diesel Locomotive cable has 427 strands).  In the past, before inspectors wanted to be involved with RE systems,  I (Drake) had used 2/0 THHN in certain installations, which has 19 strands (according to NEC Table 8).   This cable seemed to work fine.  Where it needed bending, I would pre bend it to avoid stress on terminals.  I have never tried to put THHN inside of a Trace disconnect enclosure, but imagine that it would be difficult.  Does anyone feel that using finely stranded cable is (or is not) necessary? 
 
    What other types of cable should we be testing?
 
    Any information about success or problems with the use of various cable for battery interconnect would be appreciated.   Especially important, has anyone had problems with using welding cable in association with battery banks?   Does anyone have evidence indicating that welding cable is adequate? 
 
THE LAB'S MISSION
 
    This lab is dedicated to determining what is technically necessary for safe renewable energy systems.  Our hope is to find ways to eliminate unnecessary expenditures, to allow for more people to be able to afford these systems.
 
 
                                                                Sincerely,
 
 
                                                                Drake Chamberlin
                                                                Electrical Energy
                                                                (303) 399-1025
 
                                                                Don Wallingford
                                                                Quicksilver Electrical Service
                                                                (303) 833-4214