15
Battery Cables
Size battery cables according to Table 2. The cur-
rent path between the genset and the negative (–)
battery terminal must also be able to carry full crank-
ing current without causing excessive voltage drop.
It is highly recommended that a full-length cable be
used to connect the genset to the negative (–) bat-
tery terminal (Figure 15). Note also that codes may
require bonding conductors from the genset and the
battery to the vehicle frame.
If a full-length negative (–) cable is not run from the
battery (Figure 16), all vehicle frame members in
the path of battery cranking currents must have sub-
stantial crossections. The electrical resistance of
riveted or bolted frame joints must also be carefully
considered, especially if the joints will be exposed to
corrosive conditions. A cable must be used to con-
nect the frame to the designated negative (–) termi-
nal on the genset (Figure 16). The cable must be
sized according to Table 2. The genset mounting
bolts are not considered adequate means for
bonding the genset to the vehicle frame, either
for the purpose of carrying cranking currents or
for complying with requirements for genset/
system grounding.
Route battery cables away from fuel lines and hot
engine exhaust components. Battery cables should
be accessible for inspection and replacement,
protected from damage and secured to prevent
chafing due to vibration.
WARNING
Routing battery cables with fuel
lines can lead to fire and severe personal injury
or death. Keep battery cables away from fuel
lines.
Terminate the battery cables with appropriately
sized eyelet connectors and connect them to the
genset as shown in Figure 17.
TABLE 2. BATTERY CABLE SIZES FOR
TEMPERA
TURES DOWN TO –20° F (–29°C)
TOTAL CABLE LENGTH*
FEET (METERS)
CABLE SIZE
A
WG
0 to 10 (0 to 3) 2**
11 to 15 (3 to 4.5) 0
16 to 20 (4.5 to 6) 000
* – Add the negative battery cable lengths with the positive
battery cable lengths for the total.
** – A total length of up to 20 feet (6 meters) may be used
in warmer climates or when battery capacity totals at least
1000 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps).
GENSET
BAT
–+
–
+
SIZE PER TABLE 2
#8 AWG
MINIMUM
VEHICLE FRAME
FIGURE 15. FULL-LENGTH CABLE FROM
BATTERY NEGATIVE (–) TERMINAL
GENSET
BAT
–+
–
VEHICLE FRAME
+
SIZE PER TABLE 2
FIGURE 16. VEHICLE FRAME AS PATH FROM
BATTERY NEGATIVE (–) TERMINAL
+
–
FIGURE 17. BATTERY CABLE CONNECTIONS
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