AWG size wire for Batteries balancer.

[Luxbright]

Hi,

Can someone tell me what gauge (#AWG) wires to use for making a balancing JST connector. I'm making it to balance 2 x 18650 Li-ion 2400mAh batteries in series for my new nextGeneration 6.30-5 plus Schulze charger.

TIA
Terry

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Terry,

I believe most balance connectors use 22 AWG wire. Some people have gone all the way up to 12 AWG for higher currents. I believe you size the wire for the capabilities of the balancer.

Tom

 

[LuxLuthor]

Most JST connectors with the crimp inserts are made for 22 or even 24 AWG wire. They will not fit any larger diameter wire.

Either of those are fine to carry the low current used for balancing tap leads, vs. the larger main Postive/Negative separate charge leads needed for higher battery pack applications. If you are planning on using only those tap leads to charge your 18650 cells, then go with the 22AWG....but the current flow in this minor application, with short JST wire lengths is adequate with either.

 

[Luxbright]

Thanks Tom and LuxLuthor, I had one done with 20 AWG silver strained teflon wire (7 inches long)on a very slightly bigger JST connector, hope its not an overkill.

Terry

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Terry,

I don't think you can overkill when it comes to wire size. Bigger is always better, but sometimes it just doesn't fit.

Tom