Whats the proper gauge for battery wire?

[djg42]

Hello,
Whats an appropriate gauge for battery cables? 6? 8? Is there a minimum amp rating? Thanks!
DG

[cowboyup3371]

I've been told to go with 6 but that 8 is okay too. There was a scale around here someplace. I'll do some searching for it and post it later.

[OldVet66]

Go with the larger #6

[koolaid_kid]

Hello,
Whats an appropriate gauge for battery cables? 6? 8? Is there a minimum amp rating? Thanks!
DG

It depends on the power demands of your system. What kind of accessories are you running, or are going to run? How long are your battery cables, both positive and negative? Power makes a round trip from the positive to the negative terminals.
There is not a minimum, there is a maximum current rating (measured in amps).
Larger is always better.

[simon kuether]

Bigger is always better . I don't understand your wire gauge sizes but I've run 16mm flex for my main cables . Use as big as you can fit practically . You'll be limited by the size of the lugs you use .

Cheers , Simon .

[djg42]

Thanks guys! I dont have any extra electronics, actually I dont even have turn signals. The 4 gauge takes up a little too much space, so I guess ill try the 6.
Can I use the the same ol' wire crimper I use for smaller wires? Or do I need a tool to crimp the terminals properly, like this,

http://cgi.ebay.com/Heavy-Duty-Hammer-Style-Crimper-Crimp-Eyelet-Cable-Lugs-/220702043238?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item3362ddec66