Recommendations For Riden RD6018w Output Cables

[zzyzx]

I'm looking for a set of quality, pre-built power output cables for my RD6018w power supply. Hoping to find spade terminals on the supply end and M6 ring terminals on battery end. Any suppliers come to mind?

 

[Gazoo]

I couldn't find anything I liked so I built my own cables using 12awg wire, the spade terminals that came with the Riden and ring terminals. I soldered everything. I have the 6012.

 

[zzyzx]

THANKS. My problem as well. I wanted silicone 12awg wire cables and I really did NOT want to build my own. So, . . . on to Plan B. Build my own.

 

[Gazoo]

This is the wire I ordered. I really like it.

Amazon.com: BNTECHGO 12 Gauge Silicone Wire 10 ft red and 10 ft Black Flexible 12 AWG Stranded Copper Wire: Car Electronics

 

[OffGridGuy]

I've used BNTECHGO product numerous times, with success, for short runs under 20 amps.

Easy to work with and a good deal for 10 bux.

 

[zzyzx]

@Gazoo @OffGridGuy THANKS for the link and review. I will order today.

Is 3-foot a good length for the cables? If so, I can make three sets of cables, with different terminals (bananas, spades, rings, gator clips, etc).

 

[sshibly]

I'm looking for a set of quality, pre-built power output cables for my RD6018w power supply. Hoping to find spade terminals on the supply end and M6 ring terminals on battery end. Any suppliers come to mind?

I can make you one outta 10awg cable and drop it in the mail, pm me your contact info..... no cost, just pay it forward.

 

[Gazoo]

@Gazoo @OffGridGuy THANKS for the link and review. I will order today.

Is 3-foot a good length for the cables? If so, I can make three sets of cables, with different terminals (bananas, spades, rings, gator clips, etc).

Mine are 2 feet so I think 3 feet will be fine. There will be a little more voltage drop but not enough to be concerned about.

 

[ArthurEld]

I would use 8 gauge flexible silicone wire and cheap 10 AWG connectors and crimper

Or at least 10 gauge. The thing runs for days on end.

Isn't there less voltage drop with bigger wire?

 

[zzyzx]

@ArthurEld Yes, less drop and I think @Gazoo 2-foot cable length would work fine for me, so less drop than my 3-footers.

I'm planning to build 4 identical 4S (12v 272ah) batteries and bulk charge individually at no more than 15A, so I think the multi-day charge cycle using 10 gauge would certainly work, but I wonder if 12 gauge would work equally well. I can't test this thinking as I have no cells. I am one of Michael's (of group buy fame) "lucky 7" - ONE Apus. Replacements were ordered earlier this month, so fingers are crossed.

 

[Gazoo]

Yes there is less voltage drop with a bigger wire.

My 6012 was able to happily and continuously pump the full 12 amps into the cells for the 4 days it took providing, as we found, the voltage was set to 3.65 volts to get the full current output. Dealing with these low voltages can be a PITA.

The values I come up with using 16 amps with 3 feet of cable and 3.65 volts are as follows:

8 AWG wire:
Voltage drop: 0.060
Voltage drop percentage: 1.65%
Voltage at the end: 3.59

10 AWG wire:
Voltage drop: 0.096
Voltage drop percentage: 2.63%
Voltage at the end: 3.554

12 AWG wire:
Voltage drop: 0.15
Voltage drop percentage: 4.18%
Voltage at the end: 3.5

And finally using the 6012 with 12 AWG wire and 2 feet of cable:
Voltage drop: 0.076
Voltage drop percentage: 2.09%
Voltage at the end: 3.574

Voltage Drop Calculator

 

[zzyzx]

@Gazoo Thanks for sharing your experience and wire gauge comparison. Very helpful.

 

[Just John]

I'm looking for a set of quality, pre-built power output cables for my RD6018w power supply. Hoping to find spade terminals on the supply end and M6 ring terminals on battery end. Any suppliers come to mind?

I have a few sitting around, takes about two minutes to make with a good crimp tool and stripper. Yes, spade terminals and 1/4 ring terminals.

 

[Just John]

This is the wire I ordered. I really like it.

Amazon.com: BNTECHGO 12 Gauge Silicone Wire 10 ft red and 10 ft Black Flexible 12 AWG Stranded Copper Wire: Car Electronics

I used their 10 gauge wire.

 

[carbon60]

Which spade terminals are you using?

 

[Just John]

These work great, high quality. I'm sure you can find cheaper, I had ordered an assortment and started running out of some sizes.

Ring terminals
Spade terminals
Assortment
Crimp tool
10 gauge wire

 

[Just John]

BTW, use spade terminals on the Riden side, since the covers for the banana jack don't unscrew all the way. Either that or get some high quality banana jack plugs.

 

[carbon60]

BTW, use spade terminals on the Riden side, since the covers for the banana jack don't unscrew all the way. Either that or get some high quality banana jack plugs.

Anyone know of a source for the decent quality banana plugs?

Source spade terminals for 10 AWG is a PITA, also. But that's what I'm doing.

 

[sshibly]

FYI:
I bought a bunch of these HEAT SHRINK ring terminals and I hate them, I am not able to positively crimp them as the plastic is TOO squishy
I would not suggest these unfortunately,

Amazon.com: Calterm 61230 Electrical Ring Terminal, 12-10 AWG, Insulated Barrel, Crimp Connection, 14 Pk, Yellow : Industrial & Scientific

Buy Calterm 61230 Electrical Ring Terminal, 12-10 AWG, Insulated Barrel, Crimp Connection, 14 Pk, Yellow: Ring - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

is that works for me, same for spade terminals.

 

[ArthurEld]

Anyone know of a source for the decent quality banana plugs?

Source spade terminals for 10 AWG is a PITA, also. But that's what I'm doing.

Fork spade

https://www.amazon.com/Glarks-Waterproof-Disconnect-Electrical-Connectors/dp/B01EE091HO/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=crimp+terminal+connectors+fork+spade&qid=1614612049&sr=8-20