Any reason to use battery terminals on posts?

[ayates]

So the terminals on our house batteries are Trojan 7 UT. See photo. Is there any value in adding a terminal? (also pictured). As far as I can see it just adds one more connection in the electrical path. There should only be a maximum of two ring connectors, one for the main power cable and one for a battery temperature sensor.


Thanks,

Allan.

[MarkJ]

Each less connection we have must be better.
So you drill the hole in the terminal?

[Diesel Bill]

I recently bought 2 AGM Apex batteries with this type terminal post with stainless bolts going through the posts. I think they are much more secure than automotive type connections and way better than the wing nut terminals on Wally World batteries.

[DeepFrz]

Yes, the wing nuts should be deep six'd immediately.

[ayates]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

So you drill the hole in the terminal?

No, the terminals come with the hole drilled, the bolt as pictured, and flats on both sides of the terminal.


Allan.

[wrwakefield]

Allan,

I would use heavy duty crimp on ring terminals on that type of post.

I had to use ring terminals on the vertical threaded stud post on my current Trojan T105s since there were no other options... Buy the heavy duty ones [Like these...] if you decide to go that route.

i.e, Heavy duty terminals have no flair on the end where you insert the wire, so they are thicker in the barrel.

Mainsail has a great post on this topic in case you haven't read it.

Three boats ago the golf cart batteries I installed had a plain automotive post. I used crimp-on battery post terminals [like these for example] and they worked great. [In case you prefer terminal connectors...]

Cheers! Bill

[moseriw]

Be careful. I used simple screws as terminals but learned that the posts are insolated to teh mount. So incase of an electric problem you wont set the boat on fire

[ayates]

Originally Posted by wrwakefield

I would use heavy duty crimp on ring terminals on that type of post. ... Buy the heavy duty ones [Like these...] i.e, Heavy duty terminals have no flair on the end where you insert the wire, so they are thicker in the barrel.

Thx. Sounds like the plan.

Originally Posted by wrwakefield

Mainsail has a great post on this topic in case you haven't read it.

Yep, have a set of heavy duty lug crimpers based on his recommendations.

Attached is a photo of the existing cables. Yes, the connectors are magnetic... I am planning 4/0 replacements; overkill yes, but better than too small.


Allan.

[moseriw]

the connectors on the old cables are good ones sn well crimped. But you should use shrink hoses with glue too! consult the load/length/diameter. in general battery to load should be around 50 mm² and above.

[btrayfors]

It's important to remember that stainless steel is a poor conductor of electricity.

Thus, no matter the material used for the bolt (stainless, brass, tinned copper, etc.) it is important to ensure direct contact between the ring terminal and the battery post itself....no spacers, washers, etc.

Bill

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by ayates

No, the terminals come with the hole drilled, the bolt as pictured, and flats on both sides of the terminal.


Allan.

I was thinking the same way as Mark. The flats one the terminal were not obvious in the pic. and without that contact area would be small. I guess you can throw out the clamps.