Battery Cables

Battery cables connect the battery to the rest of the starting and charging circuits. A starting motor which is cranking an engine will draw about 200 amps of current, so the battery cables must be of sufficient size to carry such heavy current. Since the cables are close to the battery and could corrode, it is important that the cables make good electrical contact with the cable clamps. In the same way, clamps must make good electrical contact with the battery posts. Any looseness or corrosion between the cable and its clamp, or between the cable clamp and battery, will result in high resistance and consequent voltage drop.