Remember that it's not enough just to be listed -- the product must be listed as being suitable for the application.
Cable listed for welding equipment is tested to Standard 1276, which has a whole book full of tests designed to prove that the product is appropriate for the environment downstream of a welder. These tests prove that the cable is great stuff, robust and flexible as all-get-out in a hellacious environment full of nasty abuse. However, that by itself doesn't prove that 1276 cable is suitable for the application when connected to a battery bank. However, if the particular welding cable is dual marked with MTW, THW, XHHW or other UL Building Wire / NEC Article 310 markings appropriate for a wet, corrosive environment, then voila, you've found the perfect wire. Appropriate wire is made by a number of manufacturers -- Cobra as mentioned earlier, Polarflex, and a handful of hypalon insulated cables. Also, my personal .02 is that there is no stupid question. We were all newbies at one point, and we are all newbies again when we reach out into new realms. We all need to take a breath and remain humble. Let the learning continue! Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 [email protected] Direct | 505.216.3841 Toll Free | 888.396.6611 x4841 Fax | 505.473.3830 www.conergy.us -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Wind-sun.com Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:18 PM To: [email protected]; RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Cables It is possible to get UL listed "welding" cable, though it costs quite a bit more than standard welding cable. It is the same type used in the robotic welding machines and similar applications. Although Bob-o might have come across a bit angry, I have to agree with his opinion on the codes for welding cable not being "legal". ........................................................................ .......................... Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ ........................................................................ .......................... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Lafferty" <[email protected]> To: "'RE-wrenches'" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 3:02 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Cables > Dick R wrote: > >> His post reflects his concern for the integrity of our industry during > this period of rapid growth. > > Me too. > > That being said, since there was a question in the first place, I am glad > the question was asked before a "code crime" was committed. It is apparent > to me that Jeff B was at least aware that, somewhere along the way, he had > heard/read/seen that welding cable is not acceptable for battery cable. In > my opinion, he was right to ask the question. And the answer was provided. > This is a wonderful example of what this forum is about and why it exists. _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
