Re: (ET) cable terminals

["David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <roden ald net>]

On 2 Feb 2005 at 22:27, Chris Zach wrote:

>  From what I've heard on the EV lists, the problem with the ring and 
> stud is that the bolt comes loose over time which leads to a loose cable 
> which
> leads to a melted post.

I hear this a lot, and I have no doubt that the combination terminals that 
golf cars often use are not the optimum.  However, I have never had 
problems 
with these terminals, either on the ET or on a road EV with a current 
limit of 
anywhere from 250 to 400 amps.  I use ordinary split washers combined with 
flat washers - not even Bellville washers - and just apply a wrench 
(gently) 
every few months.  

So far, the only battery connection I ever had fail was the cruddy generic 
bolt-on clamp terminal that I used "temporarily" (uh, yeah, that's it ;-) 
on 
my Comuta-Car.

If you are running a 700 or 1000 amp controller, no question about it - 
you 
need the absolute best connection possible.  But at the currents the ET 
requires, it's not such a big deal, IMO.  Use good stuff, but don't spend 
your 
entire allowance on high-priced lugs or clamps. 


David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
1991 Solectria Force 144vac
1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
1970 GE Elec-trak E15 36vdc
1974 Avco New Idea 36vdc
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