2 Gauge Battery Cable

2 Gauge Battery Cable: Adept Replies to 5 Critical Questions

Nowadays, automobiles are becoming basic necessities. A 2 gauge battery cable is arguably one of the essential parts that keep vehicles running. Unfortunately, most people cannot differentiate this type of cable from any other ordinary cable. A 2 AWG battery cable is ideal cabling for a wide array of automobiles including, small cars, RV trailers, and watercraft, to name a few. Considering this, don’t you think you need to learn everything you possibly can on this cable type?

There are several types of battery cables. Each type of cable performs a specific purpose. Therefore, selecting the correct kind of wire always comes down to the needs of your particular project. So when exactly do you need to invest in a 2 gauge battery cable wire?

The answer to the question posed above is not as straightforward as most people would like to think. There are some factors that you have to consider when choosing the most suitable cable. Typically, it takes months of research and expert training to make the right choices concerning battery cables. Fortunately for you, this post provides answers to 5 critical questions concerning a 2 gauge battery cable. Essentially, it gives you all the information you need to know when to choose this impeccable type of cable.

1.What Is a 2 Gauge AWG Battery Cable?

Battery cables are not a new concept. But, as I mentioned earlier, automobiles have become a basic necessity in the 21st century. Almost every one of us owns a car. Whenever you open your car’s engine compartment, your eyes gaze upon heavy-duty wires covered in thick insulation materials and attached to the battery.

In simple terms, a battery cable is that thick heavy-duty wire that is attached to your vehicle’s battery. You might be using a 2 gauge battery cable without your knowledge. So what exactly is this type of cable, and how do you differentiate it from other car battery cables?

Generally speaking, battery wires are differentiated by their sizes, denoted using American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard. What does this convey about the 2 AWG battery cable? Well, there is nothing complex about this type of cable. It is just a standard 2 AWG-sized battery cable. Most of us are accustomed to the 12 AWG battery cable. Are you contemplating what the difference between a 2 and a 12 AWG cable is?

When it comes to cable sizes, the general rule is that the larger the AWG number, the smaller the wire. Thus, we can easily conclude that a 2 gauge battery cable is bigger than a 12 AWG one. Understandably, this is not very clear for most people. Cable sizes have severe implications, including short-circuits and, in a worst-case scenario, an engine fire. It is always prudent to consult a local electrician if you face difficulty choosing a size that suits your specific needs.

2.What is the Diameter of a 2 Gauge Battery Cable?

Generally speaking, diameter is a straight line passing through the center of a circular object. Since cables are circular objects, it is true to say that any cable’s diameter is the straight line passing through its center. Well, you probably knew that already, so I’ll assume that you want to know the exact measurements of a 2 AWG battery cable.

As I mentioned earlier, this battery cable is used for cars, boats, and any other types of vehicles that utilize a 12 or 24-volt electrical system. To withstand this voltage, this cable is covered in a thick durable temperature resistant insulation. Logically, this insulation adds up to its nominal outside diameter. For those of us who like hands-on approach to things, you can easily measure the outside diameter of this type of cable.

That being said, the overall diameter of a 2 gauge battery cable revolves around 10.2 mm which is equivalent to around 0.4 inches. Apart from the cable’s overall diameter, a shrewd individual might also want to its cross-sectional area and conductor resistance. These measurements have considerable implications on the cable’s overall current carrying capacity.

Generally, this electrical cable has a cross-sectional area of 33 mm2 and a conductor resistance of 0.53Ω/KM. Understandably, these measurements might be pretty confusing if you don’t have any training on battery cables. It would be best to consult a local electrical wiring expert before choosing the ideal 2 AWG battery cable.

3.How many amps will a 2 gauge battery cable handle?

Under optimum temperature, a 2 gauge battery cable has an amperage capacity of 150 amperes. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that this amperage value may change depending on the ambient temperature and the cable’s length. Most manufacturers and retailers sell their 2 gauge battery cable by the foot. Any dimension of wire not exceeding 10 feet is most likely to be in a position to carry a minimum of 150 amperes. The table below offers a summary of the current-carrying capacity of this cable at different lengths;

Owing to its current carrying capacity, you can use this cable for small cars, RV trailers, golf carts, and solar cells, among others. When using this type of cable in a DC power system, you have to consider the overall length of the positive and negative cable. Are you wondering which the positive wire is and which the negative one is? Well, in most instances, the 2 gauge red battery cable is the positive one. It would be best to consult an electrical wire expert if you find it challenging to select amperage that suits your automobile.

4.Which is bigger, a 4 gauge battery cable or a 2 gauge battery cable?

As I indicated earlier, the higher the wire gauge, the smaller the physical size of the wire. Therefore, we can easily conclude that a 2 gauge battery cable is bigger than a 4 gauge battery cable.  Most people mistakenly assume that a 4 gauge is less valuable than a 2 gauge because it is smaller. However, a cable’s size doesn’t negate its value because each wire performs a specific role.

Despite their size variations, both cables can withstand the harsh conditions associated with automotive wiring. They are both exceptionally flexible and resistant to chemicals, moisture, oil, and UV rays. Still, they each have a specific purpose. It is pretty challenging to choose between a 2 AWG battery cable and a 4 AWG one. Thus, it would be best to consult a trained individual to avoid any unwarranted mistakes.

5.Where to buy a 2 gauge battery cable?

The industrialization has fuelled the growth of the cable manufacturing industry worldwide. Currently, there are thousands of electrical cable manufacturing companies across the globe. This means that you have countless options when it comes to shopping for an ideal cable. Unfortunately, selecting an entity that can provide quality, affordable wires amid all the options available is a challenging task. So, where exactly can one buy a top-of-the-line 2 gauge battery cable?

Well, ZW cable a leading cable manufacturer in China. Therefore, you can easily order your choice cable at an affordable price online, and it will be delivered to you anywhere in the world. Alternatively, you can go to a local electrical cable home depot. Depots are the best place to shop for a 2 gauge battery cable because they provide an extensive range of options in terms of manufacturers and wires. All in all, you need to be very careful when choosing a cable that suits your specific needs.