Using speaker wire?

[Fyrfytr]

I'm in the process of building my A123 6s packs using MEC SPT's. I have purchased 5.5mm bullet connectors to use for the build. I also picked up some 12 gauge deans wire but their is just too much room when I put the wire into the connector. I have some 10 gauge speaker wire which is really good quality and wonder if that may be an option. The shielding on the speaker wire is nice and thick and at 10 gauge it is more than ample for my application. At 10 gauge the wire will fill the bullet connector nicely and make a solid connection. I then plan to cover the speaker wire with some of the braided sleeving I purchased from Readyheli. Any thoughts as to why this wouldn't work or if you have a good option for soldering the 12 guage I'd like to hear.

[HeliDan]

The typical difference between speaker wire and 'other' wire is the aesthetics (prettyness) and the size of each stand or wire.

Speaker wire is usually more attractive but also generally has many more and smaller strands of wire. This makes a more flexible conductor but also better handles current at higher frequencies.

The only downside would be the temperature rating of the wire. Speaker wire is not expected to get hot or need to handle heat.

So I don't think that you should have any trouble........

[Fyrfytr]

Thanks for the reply! Actually the Deans ultra wire is a little more flexible, has smaller strands and more of them. I'm really at a loss for which one to use. I don't see any reason why the speaker wire wouldn't work but I don't want to look back and regret using it. The connection with the 5.5mm bullet is my main concern as the 12 gauge would have a much lesser connection.

[istandalone]

i'm using those same huge bullets with 13 gauge deans wire. no problems. once you get the shrink wrap on it, it looks fine.

[K.Lund]

As stated above speaker wire insulation is not designed for heat and will melt with high current loads. I would not recommend using speaker wire.

Keith

[Fyrfytr]

I was leaning toward the Deans wire as the monster cable I have is a little gawdy also. Thanks to everyone for the reply's :thumbup: