Here again, I notice that the OEMs
of the breaker and the windlass use only 5/16" terminal bolt while
recommending cable as heavy as #2/0. (what would the circular mils be of a
wimpy 5/16" bolt after you deduct the threads??. I believe that is the
reason for my high resistance connection, more-so than a loose connection.)

I wondered about this as well since my Lofrans windlass seems to have rather
small studs on the motor.
Upon thinking about it I decided that a 1 inch long stud that is 5/16 copper
is not going to have much resistance and therefore is not going to generate
any significant heat even if a couple of hundred amps go through it. The
actual connection between the crimp connector and the stud is the more
likely source of high resistance and subsequent heat. A clean and tight
metal to metal connection should carry the current.

"Steve" wrote in message
...

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:MYBjc.638$Lm3.598@lakeread04...
What size alternator? I had to run 350MCM locomotive cable to my
Prosine 2000. (10' run total) Talk about wrasslin' an anaconda in the

I only have a 100 amp alternator but haven't completed the installation.
I'm
presently still using the 'silly' 30 amp OEM altenator but I haven't been
using it to charge the main battery bank.

I tried using single #2/0 cable to connect the 2000 watt inverter/charger
to
the main battery buss but it was too stiff and on the recommendation of
the
OEM (Exide) I ended up using #1 gage cable in pairs to the pos./neg. to
gain
flexibility.

My largest load on the main battery bank, aside from the inverter, is the
anchor windlass. This circuit breaker is connected to the battery
disconnect
with a buss bar and #2/0 cable for the rest of the run to the windlass
controller. Here again I am a bit concerned with the stress this heavy
cable
may be exerting on the breaker terminal. Here again, I notice that the
OEMs
of the breaker and the windlass use only 5/16" terminal bolt while
recommending cable as heavy as #2/0. (what would the circular mils be of a
wimpy 5/16" bolt after you dedect the threads??. I believe that is the
reason for my high resistance connection, more-so than a loose
connection.)

Steve
s/v Good Intentions