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what size wire do i use for a golf cart battery

by Colton Bahringer I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Most cart manufacturers use 6 AWG cables.Jun 4, 2019

Full Answer

How to connect golf cart batteries?

Connecting a battery to your Club Car golf cart is a pretty easy task, as the wiring system for the batteries is fairly basic. Lift the seat of the golf cart in order to access the battery compartment. You may need to use a rope or bungee cord to secure the seat in the open position so that you can work freely within the compartment.

How do you fill the battery in a golf cart?

Step-by-step Guide

  • Step 1. – Insert pump into jug of distilled water! ...
  • Step 3. – Once hand pump bulb is primed remove the dust cover from the end of the fill line on your battery watering system.
  • Step 4. – Squeezing the golf cart battery watering system hand pump with firm steady pressure to pump water into the battery cells.
  • Step 5. ...
  • Step 6. ...

What is the best battery charger for a golf cart?

PROS:

  • This product is designed in a fully automatic manner so that it can easily charge a golf cart battery.
  • This is great for golf carts – and can be used for many other different batteries, which may be important to some consumers.
  • This charger was designed with reverse polarity protection.
  • There is a power on, power off, and fully charged indication.

More items...

What kind of batteries does a golf cart use?

  • Incredibly fast 2-3 hour charge up times (vs. ...
  • They live longer (3x - 5x longer) than traditional golf cart batteries
  • They weigh less (reduce battery weight of your cart by 300lbs = more efficient cart)
  • Require No maintenance (no adding water, cleaning corrosion, or checking acid levels)

More items...

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What gauge wire should I use for battery cables?

Ideally, a 6 gauge cable is the best option for a 12-volt power supply. This automotive wire can sustain a maximum of 60 volts and is ideal for 12-volt electrical systems.

What gauge wire should be used with 12-volt battery?

The correct wire size for a 150W 12V circuit is the 16 AWG with 17A ampacity.

What size is golf cart battery stud?

The copper ring terminal lug cable end fits a 5/16 stud common on golf cart batteries.

How do I know what size battery cable I need?

First, measure the bare diameter of a single strand and locate the circular mils value in the row that matches your measurement. Second, multiply the circular mils by the number of strands in the cable. Lastly, locate the row in the table with the circular mils number that most closely matches your calculation.

Can I use 14-gauge wire for 12 volt battery?

We recommend at minimum a 14-gauge wire for providing 12V charging power to a towed vehicle's battery, such as that included in the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles, item # RM-156-25. Naturally, a heavier-gauge wire would do better since it can deliver more current.

What is standard battery terminal size?

The most common size of battery terminal is 10mm ring. 11mm and 13mm are the sizes of the car battery terminal. The terminal has 13mm for the bolt.

What is SAE battery terminal?

Auto Post Terminal (SAE terminal) This is the most common battery terminal type, and any person who has replaced a car battery can easily recognize it. In order to prevent accidently connecting the terminals in reverse polarity, the positive post is always larger diameter than the negative.

Are all battery terminals the same?

Automotive battery terminals Some batteries come with terminals in two different configurations. It's important to ensure you get the right configuration as it may prevent battery cables from reaching.

Are bigger battery cables better?

There is science behind this, and the simple thought is that a larger cable equals easier current flow. Six-volt systems have half the electrical potential (think of this as the “push”) of 12-volt systems, so the easier you can make the journey from one connector to another, the better the system will function.

How do I calculate wire size?

How do I calculate wire size for motors?Multiply the resistivity (Ω•m) of the conductor material by the peak motor current (A), the number 1.25, and the total length of the cable (m).Divide the result by the voltage drop from the power source to the motor.Multiply by 1,000,000 to get the result in mm2.

How do I choose a battery 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 ...

What kind of batteries are used in golf carts?

While the aim of this article is to discuss primarily deep cycle batteries used in golf carts, some people are interested about learning the other types of batteries being used in Golf Cars. We have an article for you that discusses differing battery types in detail specifically for you.

How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?

A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.

How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?

A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.

How does amperage affect golf carts?

It will determine how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric golf cart. The more amperage in a battery pack, the further you can drive before having to charge.

What to do when buying an electric golf cart?

If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...

How many cycles does a lithium battery last?

Also, some lithium batteries carry a lifetime warranty and can deliver up to 5000 cycles versus the typical 100-500 cycles for a lead acid battery. Even with a 500-cycle lead acid battery cart, that means replacing the power source 10 times more than the lithium-ion model.

How much does a lithium battery weigh?

A lead acid battery can weigh as much as 130 pounds and averages around 65 pounds. A lithium-ion battery averages 28 pounds. Less weight means your cart will be able to haul more weight at a greater speed. And, they are capable of holding a single full charge for a year instead of losing a charge slowly over time.

What is SGX battery cable?

Sometimes we use SGX battery cable. SGX uses a high-grade XLP (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) insulation which has a higher temperature rating and is more abrasion-resistant. The trade-off is the insulation is thicker and stiffer. Often it has a higher strand count. If you need a higher temp rating, it’s a good choice.

What is SGT wire?

SGT is a thermoplastic PVC (polyvinyl chloride) insulation rated at 50 volts. It’s typically rated for 85 or 105 degrees C. It usually has a fairly low strand count (meaning the strands are larger), making the wire stiff enough to stay where you put it but is still flexible enough to bend around tight corners. Buy SGT Battery Cable.

What does a fuse link look like?

Think of a fuse link as a very slow-acting (“slow-blow”) fuse that looks like a piece of wire. Fuse link wire has special very high-temp insulation that won’t burn even if the wire becomes so hot that it fuses open.

Series vs. Parallel

Two simple statements govern the rules for series versus parallel battery bank wiring. In a series circuit, the current through each of the batteries is the same. Also, the voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each of the components is the same.

36V Battery Bank

If connected properly in a series circuit as shown, you should be able to test across the battery bank main positive and main negative terminals with a voltmeter and get a reading equal to the sum of each battery. In this example, your reading should equal 36 volts (6×6 = 36).

48V Battery Bank

A 48 volt golf cart battery bank wired in a series circuit is also very common in this industry. However, there are several combinations of individual battery voltages which can provide 48 volts. These combinations include the following:

How to install a golf cart battery meter?

Steps to install a golf cart battery meter are: Select and obtain your battery gauge meter. Once you have the meter of your choice, select the mounting location. Disconnect the positive terminal on the battery bank. Prepare the opening if you are mounting in the dash. Run the wires from the meter location to the battery terminal points.

How many wires are needed for a battery meter?

LED and digital style battery meters only come with about 6 to 12 in of wire pigtails, so you will need to add extra wire to reach the terminals necessary to power the meter.

What is a battery meter?

A battery meter (or battery gauge) is a device you add to your electric golf cart to read the state of charge level for your battery bank. They come in either analog or digital, square or round, surface or in-dash mount. Battery meters indicate the voltage level of your battery bank and inform you when it is time to recharge.

What is a digital meter on a golf cart?

The digital meters will give you a number or a moving bar display a partial charge to a full charge. A battery meter is a great accessory to add to your golf cart and it only requires a minimum amount of skill to install it yourself.

Where do the positive and negative wires go on a switch?

Watch closely to make sure the positive wires go to positive terminals, and negative wires go to the negative terminal or ground. A lug connector crimped on the terminating end of the wire makes a professional connection on the switch and battery connection terminals.

What is a golf cart?

Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf... link to Club Car DS Wiring Diagrams 1981 To 2002.

Can you put a battery meter in the dash?

Once you have acquired your battery meter, you will need to locate the best place on your dash to mount it, either surface mounted or in-dash. If it is a square LED type, you can surface-mount or put it in-dash. If it is a round gauge (analog or digital) it will need to be in-dash to look it’s best.

How many volts does an RV battery cable need?

Wires have a maximum voltage rating as well. However, since your RV battery cables will only be 12 volts, you do not need to worry about the voltage rating when determining which battery cable size to use.

What is a battery cable in an RV?

RV battery cables are a small but essential part of a complex and integral system in your RV. Choosing the wrong size battery cable can lead to extra cost, frustration, and potentially even a fire. However, picking the correct battery cable size for your system doesn’t need to be stressful. Use the tips above or reach out to a Battle Born expert ...

What is the standard for measuring wire gauges?

The US standard for measuring wire gauges is the American Wire Gauge scale, or AWG for short. In the AWG system, the higher the number of the cable rating, the thinner the wire and, therefore, the less current it can carry.

Why is it bad to have a small battery cable?

If wires are undersized, they can get so hot that the casing melts and can cause a fire. Fires are much more catastrophic than too much voltage drop and are the main risk in choosing too small of a battery cable.

What is the most significant consideration when running battery cables?

Probably the most significant consideration is cost . Thicker wire gauges cost more. If you are only running a few feet of battery cable, the additional cost will be insignificant. As cable runs get longer, cost becomes more of a consideration.

How many volts does an RV run?

Most appliances and electronics in your RV will have a current and power rating. If all of your electronics run on 12 volts (the same as your battery system), you simply add up the current ratings for each to determine your total current draw.

Why do wires carry more current?

Without getting into the math behind it, the reason for this is that a cable’s resistance increases as its diameter decreases or the length increases.

How many batteries are in an electric cart?

Your electric cart will accommodate either 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system. If you are not able to determine if it’s a 36V or a 48V electrical drive system, lift the cart seat so you can bring the battery compartment into view. You will be able to see 3, 4, or 6 holes.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.

What is amps in a car?

Amperage is akin to a gas tank in a car. Amps will determine how far the cart travels, and for how long, on a single charge. The more amps a battery generates, the further you’ll be able to drive. If you take your cart out for extended periods, this may be problematic.

What happens if you charge a battery with an underpowered charger?

An underpowered charger will cause a buildup of sulfation on the negative plate, affecting its performance. An overpowered charger causes an accumulation of corrosion on the positive plate. Ideally, you do not want your batteries to die, as charging a dead lead-acid battery can cause strain.

What are the two main electrical quantities to consider when replacing batteries?

Two main electrical quantities you will want to focus on when replacing batteries are voltage and current. Voltage is measured in volts, or “ V ,” and Current is measured in amps, or “ A .”

How to clean lead acid batteries?

Use a bristle brush and a mild solution to clean the top of each battery. You can also use anti-corrosive solutions and sprays to prevent corrosion, which can be a problem with lead-acid batteries. Alternatively, you can use battery covers. Check battery wiring.

What are AMG batteries?

Also called absorbent glass mat batteries, these are different from their lead-acid counterparts – the electrolyte is held in the glass mats as opposed to it free floating. These tend to hold their charges better than lead-acid batteries. Deka Solar Batteries.

How many volts does a golf cart have?

There is a major difference between 36 volt up to 48 volt systems, impacting both performance and potential upkeep and maintenance costs. Hint: some batteries are much more expensive ...

What is the amperage of a golf cart?

Golf Cart Battery Amps. Amperage can be considered akin to the fuel in a gas-powered engine. Similar to a tank of gas, the amount of amperage will dictate how far you can drive your cart on a single electric charge.

What does voltage mean in a battery pack?

Voltage represents how much power your system will be delivered, resulting in increased ability to tow, carry more weight, and accelerate faster.

Does a golf cart battery need to be recharged?

In this regard, a higher voltage (although more powerful) often comes at a cost. That cost is that it can burn through more amps faster, draining the golf cart battery quicker, and requiring you to recharge more frequently.

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