Is there any difference between welding cable and battery cable? Are welding cables manufacturers assisting their customers in deciding which one to choose?
If you just require a simple connection between a battery and its starter, you can think about battery cable as a solution. Applications without sharp curves or that have a direct shot to power source work best with batter cable. Manufacturers use thicker copper strands to construct battery cable, which are not tightly packed in PVC sleeving. This design makes battery cable less flexible yet an efficient option for applications.
Due to use of thicker copper strands, the strands count is fewer in battery cable when compared to welding cable with same gauge size. And this makes battery cable unsuitable for projects or applications that require 60V or less power.
Welding cable is suitable when a lot of bends are needed to complete the application wiring project as it is flexible. The flexibility of welding cable comes from the finer strands of copper and EPDM insulation used by manufacturers to construct the welding cable design. Finer copper strands of welding cable allow it to handle higher voltage applications.
Battery cable is jacketed with a smooth thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which protects the cable against cracking, weather, chemical, oil, abrasion, and acids. Battery cables are the UL cables that meet standards related to flame resistant.
Welding cables also resist oil, grease, water, and prevent cuts and tears. Welding cable is also flame resistant and meet UL 1581 standard. This rating provides an edge on battery cable when it comes to protection against elements.
When you need simple protection and connection for your application or project, you can consider battery cables for continuous electrical connections. However, if you live in colder environment, you should avoid using battery cable as it becomes stiffer and tough to work with.
In colder weather conditions, welding cables provide better performance. The flexibility and usability of welding cables given by the thinner strands make the welding cable ideal for colder environments.
Battery cable offers cost effective solution for your battery project and applications. You can bring battery cable at budget-friendly cost and use it where there is no special enhancement requirement. These cables can provide you protection and connection. However, if you consider usability, opt for welding cables instead.
Ask wires and cables manufacturers to help you decide which welding cable will suit your project or application. They will explain you the things like experts.