Cummins/Onan — Battery Cable Sizing and Connection
Installation
From a Cummins/Onan service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- Accidental starting of the genset can cause severe personal injury or death.
Procedure
- Size cables per Table 7-2 based on total cable length (positive + negative).
- Rated cranking current is 180 amperes at 0F (-18C); size cables so voltage drop is within 1 volt.
- Connect negative (-) cable to genset ground first (do not connect to battery yet).
- Connect positive (+) cable to genset B+ post.
- Connect 8-AWG minimum bonding cable between genset ground and vehicle frame.
Specs & values
- 0-10 ft: #2 cable
- 11-15 KuduParts $20.00 FridayParts $20.30 ft: #0 cable
- 16-20 Amazon eBay FridayParts $14.38 ft: #000 cable (or #2 up to 20 ft if battery exceeds 1000 CCA)
Source: Cummins/Onan service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.