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Post Info TOPIC: 6mm cable size


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6mm cable size


Hi Fellow Gromads

I have been recently online to buy 6mm electric cable to run a 5mt cable from my caravan battery to a socket for my Waeco cfx40 and the wide range in prices leads me to the  suspicion that some descriptions might lead me astray. Is 6mm2(thats cubic mm) the same as 6mm thick wire? I have been burnt on ebay(not received) for this item and would prefer a more reliable provider. Can anyone help?



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Hi maroon 13
try Springers solar of brisbane 07- 3889-8898. I use their service and have no complaints pay for it over the phone before 4 pm and you have it the next day
good quality dual core assorted sizes .. 6mm2 is the size of the copper wire inside insulation not included.

travel safe

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Thanks rodden I'll check them out



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I think you maybe after 6 or 8 B&S cable rather than 6mm2, 6mm2 is a little to light for the job. Any marine suppliers will stock the B&S cable or Jaycar.

 

https://www.redarc.com.au/images/uploads/files/wire_gauge_worksheet.pdf



-- Edited by BaupleNut on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 12:24:17 AM



-- Edited by BaupleNut on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 01:39:47 AM

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BaupleNut



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Hi smile

As already said, be very careful what size you are getting with electrical cable. Particularly when you want it to carry the main current from the front to the back of a rig. The lableing system is really bad.

6mm auto cable is pretty light stuff. 6 mm2 is  heavier. #6 or 6bs is bigger again. So three completely different sizes. Make sure that the seller is actually spelling out what the exact specs are before you buy, or as suggested go to a local place like Jaycar or a marine supplier, who are everywhere along the coast and major towns. The marine supplied quality  tinned copper wire is the best for the long run as it resists corrosion much better for almost no extra cost.wink

Jaahn       



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6mm sq should be fine .. For fridge . Too light for main feed..battery to battery etc . I disconnected the useless  cigarett lighter connector . Made the cord continuous . Cigaret connectors tend to vibrate out . Make sure it's 6mm sq or 6 B&S (5.5mm) or there abouts . Besides the wire size doesn't  fit too well . 



-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 02:29:20 PM



-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 03:14:40 PM

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Auto electrical 6mm cable is about 4.9mm2, 6 b&s is about 13.2 mm2, 8 b&s is about 8.6 mm2.

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BaupleNut



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It's 7 amp . Why run 1/2" cable ?? Sheesh !!

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Recently walked into auto electrician to purchase cable for a 5 metre lead for my solar panels, it was suggested I use 6mm2 cable. The wire only just fitted into the connectors on 50 amp Anderson plug. The copper wire was about 3-4mm thick

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Jeff & Rae travelling in a motorhome



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That little 2 after MM means a lot and different cable sizes or ways of measuring causes major confusion . Anderson wire imo should be 10mm or what will fit into Anderson crimp . Often runing two in parellel ? There's commercial connectors for solar panels . 4 & 6mm sq ., Even with 400 Watt solar you have 30 Amp if 100 % efficient .. Btw it never is much better than 80% due to alignment etc .

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You don't get it Auskiwi electrical cable, auto cable, B&S cable are three different beasts and three entirely different sizing/core sizes. e.g. 6B&S is 13.2 mm sq and 168/0.32 and about 7-8mm overall diameter. 6 mm auto wire is only 4.5 mm sq not 6!no

 

http://www.tycab.com.au/automotive.html

-- Edited by BaupleNut on Wednesday 13th of July 2016 08:20:50 AM



-- Edited by BaupleNut on Wednesday 13th of July 2016 08:25:55 AM

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BaupleNut



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As I said 6mm "sq" is fine ., not 6mm .. Auto.. To run a fridge / freezer ..

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Aus-Kiwi wrote:

6mm sq should be fine .. For fridge . Too light for main feed..battery to battery etc . I disconnected the useless  cigarett lighter connector . Made the cord continuous . Cigaret connectors tend to vibrate out . Make sure it's 6mm sq or 6 B&S (5.5mm) or there abouts . Besides the wire size doesn't  fit too well . 



-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 02:29:20 PM



-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 03:14:40 PM


 

your sizes are WRONGno

6B&S is 13.3mm Sq 

4.11mm Conductor Dia

 

 6mm Sq is 9 B&S &2.91mm copper dia



-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Monday 18th of July 2016 11:46:09 PM

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Hi

maroon 13

" auto 6mm cable "" actually around 4.5mm2   [four point five millimeter squared] is fine for a 2 way fridge up to 40ltrs around 6mtrs from battery posts

Any larger fridge size or distance go to 8b&s [7.9mm2]

swamp



-- Edited by swamp on Wednesday 3rd of August 2016 01:59:38 AM

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maroon13 wrote:
 Is 6mm2(thats cubic mm) the same as 6mm thick wire?

 Here comes the nit picker - 6 mm2 is 6 square mm, not 6 cubic mm.

I suggest you read the article "Auto Cable" by Collyn Rivers. This will give you an insight into cables and tell you how to calculate the voltage drop along them.



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PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 

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