View Full Version : Type of wire use for Big 3 Upgrade??
Da Dark Jedi
02-01-2012, 05:59 PM
Since alot of people are upgrading to the big three, what brand are you using?
I found these guys any thoughts??
http://www.knukonceptz.com/images/kitreview/WCG_Power.jpg
bigdhasmoney
02-01-2012, 06:14 PM
If you want cheap 0 gauge. Go with DB link on amazon. I think i got 50 feet of blue 0 gauge for like 80 bucks. Which thats a steal! But with wire its really you get what you pay for. You can spend 4 bucks a foot for pure 100 percent oxygen free copper wire or copper clad aluminum wire. but the cheapest i found was this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QU8M8Q/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details The price went up a little.
jwibbity
02-01-2012, 06:20 PM
i would not suggest getting copper clad alluminum, more resistive and heats up quicker, meaning less current through wire, i will use nothing but knukonceptz wire because they meet or exceed american standardized AWG rating, i would suggest knukonceptz kollosus flex wire, got it in my wifes sonata, no issues
http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMaster.cfm?category=Kol ossus%20Fleks%20Kable
Da Dark Jedi
02-01-2012, 07:29 PM
I had to look into my notes from years gone-by so here's another question. Crimping or Soldering the connection? This comment I would like to know.
Soldering battery connections is a BAD idea. Most people believe that soldering is superior to crimping, but this is not the case. Soldering creates additional resistance at the connection, as well as creating a connection with less current transfer capability. Also, soldering will create its own corrosion due to the inherent flux material.
True or False???
fastblackmerc
02-01-2012, 07:56 PM
I had to look into my notes from years gone-by so here's another question. Crimping or Soldering the connection? This comment I would like to know.
Soldering battery connections is a BAD idea. Most people believe that soldering is superior to crimping, but this is not the case. Soldering creates additional resistance at the connection, as well as creating a connection with less current transfer capability. Also, soldering will create its own corrosion due to the inherent flux material.
True or False???
False................
Just look at all the soldered electrical connections in a computer.....
bigdhasmoney
02-01-2012, 07:57 PM
hmmm I would also like to see what peoples opinions are. I soldered my ring terminals on. But i never really thought of that comment^^^
Da Dark Jedi
02-01-2012, 08:11 PM
False................
Just look at all the soldered electrical connections in a computer.....
But thats a 5v supply on digital equipment. I think the cables (on cars) alone are 2 gauge. So did you solder or crimp for your Big 3 upgrade.
fastblackmerc
02-02-2012, 01:37 AM
But thats a 5v supply on digital equipment. I think the cables (on cars) alone are 2 gauge. So did you solder or crimp for your Big 3 upgrade.
Soldered to copper lugs. Heat shrink tube over the connections.
ctrlraven
02-02-2012, 06:41 AM
If you solder it's best to use a Rosin-Core type solder, it cleans the wire as it bonds to it. I will not use anything but Rosin-Core when I am working on client's vehicles.
I believe the factory power/ground wires are 6 gauge, so going to 4, 2 or 0 will have some improvement, the bigger you go the better.
Searched up db link wire on ebay... Same retailer on Amazon is selling this on ebay for cheaper.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Db-Link-Pw0bl50z-Power-Wire-0-Gauge-Blue-50-Ft-/260947917185?pt=LH_DefaultDoma in_0&hash=item3cc1b53981#ht_1369wt_ 942
Da Dark Jedi
02-02-2012, 06:47 PM
So are you guys Crimping or Soldering the big 3 at the connection point???
bigdhasmoney
02-02-2012, 07:08 PM
Soldering!
bigdhasmoney
02-02-2012, 07:08 PM
with rosin cor solder like ctrlraven said
marauder410
02-02-2012, 07:13 PM
you can do eithier one whatever floats your boat im sure crimping them will be just fine soldering them wont do no difference just more of a chance there connectors are not gonna come loose on you crimping after a couple years or so one connector might winggle loose
marauder410
02-02-2012, 07:15 PM
im acualy gonna try these to make everything easier than got crimping and soldering and gonna look cleaner than both
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310225100356?ssPageName=STRK:M EWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
lifespeed
02-02-2012, 09:59 PM
Aircraft electrical connections aren't soldered because under certain conditions, when not strain-relieved, vibration can cause cracking of the wire at the rigid solder joint. Weight is probably an issue too.
That said, precautions that apply on aircraft are not always applicable to cars. I always solder, but don't run the solder down the wire past the connector creating a long, rigid, 'stick'. Rosin core solder is fine, you can clean it with alcohol. You'll have zero corrosion issues at the wire/terminal interface using solder.
What is a "Big 3 Upgrade"? Heavier gauge battery wires? Trunking the battery?
You want SGX (extra thick cross-linked polyethylene)insulation on the wire, cross-linked polyethylene is the insulation currently recommended by SAE standards for under hood use. Don't upgrade the size of the wire while downgrading the insulation. http://kayjayco.com/tech125CWire.htm
Solder the connections with rosin core solder, much more reliable and better continuity over the long run.
thathotrodlincn
02-03-2012, 05:03 AM
I crimp, then solder with rosin core solder then cover with marine grade heat shrink tubing. I use marine grade wire.
Da Dark Jedi
02-03-2012, 05:36 PM
I crimp, then solder with rosin core solder then cover with marine grade heat shrink tubing. I use marine grade wire.
Where can you purchase Marine grade heat shrink tubing from.
Da Dark Jedi
02-03-2012, 05:36 PM
You want SGX (extra thick cross-linked polyethylene)insulation on the wire, cross-linked polyethylene is the insulation currently recommended by SAE standards for under hood use. Don't upgrade the size of the wire while downgrading the insulation. http://kayjayco.com/tech125CWire.htm
Solder the connections with rosin core solder, much more reliable and better continuity over the long run.
Thanks for the link VERY INFORMATIVE.
boatmangc
02-03-2012, 06:12 PM
If I were to solder I would only used tinned wire, much better wicking.
I use a crimper for all of my big stuff, I own a monster crimper as I install hundreds of feet of battery cable every month, I only use tinned wire, it is much better in my (marine) environment.
http://www.amazon.com/Ancor-702040-Electrical-Professional-Crimper/dp/B000NI3EW0/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1328317877&sr=8-8
bigdhasmoney
02-03-2012, 07:17 PM
I think thats only useful if your making a career involved in wiring big things. If your doing a one time thing, its kinda a waste. But that thing does look awesome, i want one lol
thathotrodlincn
02-03-2012, 08:50 PM
Where can you purchase Marine grade heat shrink tubing from.
You can get Marine grade productsfrom Marine supply houses such as West Marine. Marine wire has superior insulation and tin plating on finer stranding, This makes the wire more flexible, lower resistance and corrosion resistant. The Marine heat shrink tubing has adhesive inside the tubing resulting in a waterproof seal. Remove the insulation from the crimp-on terminals before use. Also, note the seam in the terminal bore. Be sure when you crimp that the seam does not separate during crimping.
Da Dark Jedi
02-03-2012, 09:47 PM
Just found this.
Crimp vs. Solder
This discussion has been beat around the net more than a tennis ball. I think the best statement on soldering a crimped terminal comes from the Senior Product Engineer Tom Michielutti at AMP. AMP is one of the most widely respected suppliers of crimp terminations to the US Aerospace and military sectors. Below is the statement from the senior engineer at AMP. NOT MY WORDS!!
_
Begin Quote:
_
"Subject: Soldering Crimped Connections & Solder in Crimps
_
This subject is discussed in AMP’s internal “Fundamentals of Connector Design” course.
Soldering Crimped Connections
_
In the minds of some customers, fortunately a diminishing minority, the reliability of crimped connections can be improved by soldering. In fact, soldering can degrade the performance of properly crimped connections. Such degradation can arise from the effects of soldering temperatures, the potential corrosion from improper cleaning of soldering fluxes and the effects of solder wicking on the conductors. Solder wicking causes the multi-strand conductors, which have high flexibility and stability against vibration, to become, effectively, solid which degrades both the performance characteristics mentioned. For these reasons, soldering of crimped connections is not recommended.
_
Should Solder be Used in Crimps?
_
Crimps are designed to work without solder or solder-dipped wires. Solder present in a crimp changes the deformation, metal flow, cleaning, welding, and residual force characteristics designed into the crimp. Soldering would be an additional heat producing assembly step. Test results show that soldering or solder-dipping wires before crimping does not produce a termination superior to that obtained in a properly applied crimped termination. Some tests specifically show detrimental effects due to soldering or solder-dipping (e.g. soldered crimp terminations can lose some ability to withstand vibrations and flexing, due to solder embrittlement of the copper wire, and/or due to
solder wicking up the strand of stranded wire to form a short length of solid conductor near the
termination). The terminated conductor then does not have the flexure strength characteristic of strand wire, and should behave more like solid wire which fails quickly in flexure testing."
_
The above is a direct quote from AMP...
Just found this.
Crimp vs. Solder
This discussion has been beat around the net more than a tennis ball. I think the best statement on soldering a crimped terminal comes from the Senior Product Engineer Tom Michielutti at AMP. AMP is one of the most widely respected suppliers of crimp terminations to the US Aerospace and military sectors. Below is the statement from the senior engineer at AMP. NOT MY WORDS!!
_
Begin Quote:
_
"Subject: Soldering Crimped Connections & Solder in Crimps
_
This subject is discussed in AMP’s internal “Fundamentals of Connector Design” course.
Soldering Crimped Connections
_
In the minds of some customers, fortunately a diminishing minority, the reliability of crimped connections can be improved by soldering. In fact, soldering can degrade the performance of properly crimped connections. Such degradation can arise from the effects of soldering temperatures, the potential corrosion from improper cleaning of soldering fluxes and the effects of solder wicking on the conductors. Solder wicking causes the multi-strand conductors, which have high flexibility and stability against vibration, to become, effectively, solid which degrades both the performance characteristics mentioned. For these reasons, soldering of crimped connections is not recommended.
_
Should Solder be Used in Crimps?
_
Crimps are designed to work without solder or solder-dipped wires. Solder present in a crimp changes the deformation, metal flow, cleaning, welding, and residual force characteristics designed into the crimp. Soldering would be an additional heat producing assembly step. Test results show that soldering or solder-dipping wires before crimping does not produce a termination superior to that obtained in a properly applied crimped termination. Some tests specifically show detrimental effects due to soldering or solder-dipping (e.g. soldered crimp terminations can lose some ability to withstand vibrations and flexing, due to solder embrittlement of the copper wire, and/or due to
solder wicking up the strand of stranded wire to form a short length of solid conductor near the
termination). The terminated conductor then does not have the flexure strength characteristic of strand wire, and should behave more like solid wire which fails quickly in flexure testing."
_
The above is a direct quote from AMP...
That is pretty much irrelevant in this case since it assumes you are using AMP connectors with the AMP tool for that connector with the proper gauge wire. Those are open barrel terminals that the ends are turned back into the wire and forms a cold fusion weld that deforms the wire so that no air can enter the joint.
Many motor vehicle mfgs such as Ford, GM, and Navistar require warranty splices to be crimped, soldered and covered with adhesive lined heat shrink.
Crimped battery terminals are not bad IF you have hundreds of dollars to spend on a professional tool. If you aren't willing to spend more money on the tool that you did on the parts soldering is the best way to go.
Battery terminals that retain the wire with a set screw will result in corrosion forming in short order and should be avoided.
JBeezy
10-02-2016, 09:18 PM
Old thread I know. Just wondering what's the best place to get battery terninals to use for
The big 3 upgrade? I have my wire, but need the terminals.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
crownvic05
10-03-2016, 09:11 AM
All my connections are crimped. I ve done the BIG-4 with 2/0 gauge wire with copper lugs from skyhighcaraudio.com http://skyhighcaraudio.com/sky-high-car-audio-ofc-2-0-gauge-by-the-foot/
No complaints so far and everything is good.
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/isatisfy2003/20160821_181934_zpsxw0u4uk5.jp g (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/isatisfy2003/media/20160821_181934_zpsxw0u4uk5.jp g.html)
jwibbity
10-03-2016, 02:30 PM
Old thread I know. Just wondering what's the best place to get battery terninals to use for
The big 3 upgrade? I have my wire, but need the terminals.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
knukonceptz has some cool battery terminals for use with their wire terminals or standard ring terminals
http://www.knukonceptz.com/mobile-audio/battery-terminals/sp/bassik-positive-battery-terminal/
JBeezy
10-04-2016, 12:12 PM
knukonceptz has some cool battery terminals for use with their wire terminals or standard ring terminals
http://www.knukonceptz.com/mobile-audio/battery-terminals/sp/bassik-positive-battery-terminal/
Thanks. Ordered 2 from here. Any noticeable difference after doing this?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
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