primary wire versus battery cable

parkerdog · May 1, 2011

OK, I've been researching the archives and the answer didn't jump out at me but I'm an idiot too so I probably missed it.

For a trolling motor in the bow and battery in the stern I'm going to run a 6 awg wire which seems to be the consensus on here.

When I look online I find 6 awg primary wire and 6 awg battery cable.

1. What is the difference between the two?

2. Does it matter one way or the other all that much?

3. I don't think I need the tinned wire but I thought I'd get it anyway unless it is not as good as regular as far as carrying capacity.

Thanks

Sam

Bugpac · May 1, 2011

you will find battery cable has thicker insulation.

richg99 · May 1, 2011

Hmmm I, too, never heard of "primary" wire vs battery cable. From the LINK below, it seems that "primary" wire is the tinned stuff. Expensive but far less likely to corrode. Tinned is recommended for boats. I used some battery jumper cable wire of the appropriate size for my TM connection on my skiff. It is pretty corroded at the contact end even though that boat is now used only in freshwater. regards, Rich
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Ancor Marine Grade 6 AWG Primary Wire is manufactured from tinned copper stranding for maximum protection against corrosion and electrolysis. The ultra flexible (Type 3) stranding resists fatigue due to vibration and flexing.
Ancor exclusive premium vinyl insulation stays flexible in extreme temperatures and is designed to lock out moisture, battery acid, oil, gasoline, and UV (ultra-violet) radiation, and rated to 600 volts.

Ancor Marine Grade 6 AWG Primary Wire comes in a variety of different colors for easy identification when running wires, and comes in spools of 50 feet.

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=58139

parkerdog · May 1, 2011

If you look on I think it is marine tinned wire and genuine dealz, they have both battery and primary tinned.

Is there anything special you have to do to tinned wire when putting on connections?

On my car when I did some wiring I would solder the end of the wire then crimp it in a connector and cover that with shrink tubes. Overkill I know, but it can't hurt.

Maybe on already tinned wire do I not solder?

Sam