2/0 battery cable

2/0 Battery Cable: The Ultimate Professional Purchasing Guide

A 2/0 battery cable is the best option for high amperage applications. Its copper core maximizes the flow of current while remaining extremely flexible even under extreme conditions. Unfortunately, most people lack meaningful knowledge of this cable type and consequently overlook it even when it is the ideal option. Generally, when buying a cable, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions.  For example, what kind of battery wire do you need for your vehicle, and what is its ideal size?

In general, a 2/0 gauge battery cable is suitable for high voltage wiring needs and can sustain up to 600 volts. This means that you can confidently use it for any 200-ampere application at a length of up to 15 feet. You also have to note that this cable has a stranded copper conductor with more than 1350 strands. More importantly, it meets all the requirements of SAEJ1127.  

That being said, there are some other key aspects that you ought to consider when buying this cable.  This post provides detailed information on this cable, including its amperage and several other essential pieces of information. All you need to do is read it carefully because it is the ultimate professional guide for purchasing a 2/0 AWG battery cable.

1. What size is a 2/0 battery cable?   

Generally speaking, a 2/0 battery cable conductor diameter is 11.4 mm, whereas its outer diameter is 14.2 mm. The cable’s outer diameter varies from its conductor diameter because it has thick insulation comprising Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), TPU, or TPE. The size of the cable has a considerable on its functionality. What exactly do I mean?

Like other electrical wires, the size of a battery cable significantly impacts its current carrying capacity. A cable’s current carrying capacity rises with each increase in the diameter of its conductor. The 2/0 battery cable diameter enables it to sustain up to 600 amperes at optimum ambient temperature.

However, you have the cable’s diameter is not the only aspect of the cable’s size that you ought to consider. You have to reflect on the length of the wire for both the positive and the negative battery terminals. Generally, you have to buy a 2/0 battery cable by the foot. As I mentioned earlier, this battery wire can carry up to 200 amperes at 15 feet. However, its current-carrying capacity decreases with each increase in its overall length. The table below paints a clear capture of the cable’s voltage transmission capacity at different lengths;

2. Which battery cable is bigger, 1/0 or 2/0?

Generally speaking, the number that comes before the “/” denotes the number of zeros the gauge is. 1/0 battery cable is 0 AWG, whereas 2/0 battery cable is 00 AWG. The more the number of zeros indicating a cable’s American Wire Gauge measurement, the bigger the cable. So, it is accurate to conclude that a 2/0 is bigger than a 1/0. What implications does this difference in the AWG cable size have on your choice in 1/0 vs. 2/0 battery cable?

A cable’s AWG plays a critical role in determining its current-carrying capacity. Like in electrical wires, you need to settle for a larger wire if you intend to carry out high voltage applications. What are some typical applications for each of these battery cables?

A 2/0 gauge battery cable is suitable for high voltage applications. Some key examples of such applications include electric vehicle battery banks, diesel-powered engines, and massive RV power converters. On the other hand, a 1/0 battery cable is suitable for large machines comprising at least six cylinders. Also, if you own a car that runs on a stock V8 engine, the 1/0 battery cable is your most ideal option.

3. What is the amp of a 2/0 battery cable?

As I indicated earlier, this cable can carry up to 600 volts. The 2/0 battery cable is suitable for various high-power applications owing to its current carrying capacity. This cable type comes in handy when dealing with a plethora of applications, including;

• Automotive wiring
• Solar battery bank wiring
• Power inverter battery wiring
• Marine battery wiring

Nevertheless, it would help to remember that several factors could impair the cable’s current transmission aptitude. For example, the cable’s current carrying capacity decreases with each increase in its overall length. If you need to use an excessively long wire, it would be best to go for a 4/0 battery cable

Also, the amperage of a 2/0 AWG battery cable varies depending on ambient temperature. High temperatures often lead to a considerable drop in the cable’s overall current carrying capacity. Consequently, it would be best if you considered the ambient temperature of the installation environment. The picture below provides a broad overview of the current-carrying ability of different battery cable sizes inside and outside the engine;

4.   What is the overall diameter of a 2/0 battery cable?

Most people tend to confuse cable AWG with its overall diameter. The American wire gauge denotes the size of the cable’s conductor and not its overall diameter. What exactly is a cable’s overall diameter? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward. A battery cable 2/0 comprises a stranded copper conductor and high-tech insulation. Its overall diameter is the breadth of its conductor plus its insulation which stands at 14.2 mm.

This cable’s insulation is considerably thicker than house wiring cable insulation because it has to withstand several adverse conditions. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the cable is highly flexible. When purchasing a 2/0 battery cable, you need to ensure that it can retain maximum flexibility and softness in icy conditions.  

5. Where to buy a 2/0 battery cable?

Currently, there are countless cable manufacturers and suppliers across the globe. You might be of a mind to go for the cheapest supplier near you. However, it would be best to buy the 2/0 gauge battery cable from ZW cable. We boast of several decades of experience in manufacturing all kinds of cables. Therefore, you can count on us for quality products at highly competitive prices.

 As one of the most prominent Chinese companies, we are willing to go the extra mile to guarantee our customers’ satisfaction. For example, we can provide some packets of lugs for your 2/0 battery cable ends for free even though we don’t manufacture lugs. All you need to do is reach out to us, and we’ll deliver the 2/0 battery cable within a considerable turnaround time.