Copper pipe bus bar tinning with lead solder

This is a type "L" 1/2 inch copper pipe that was smashed flat to be used as a bus bar for the 6 volt battery bank. The video shows the "tinning" process with a torch and lead solder. The battery bank is made of 3 forklift cells scavenged from free forklift batteries. This homemade bus bar can handle just over 800 amps, and it was freeeeee! We are making about 16 battery banks like this over the next few weeks. Each one is 6 volts at 650 amp hours and weighs about 300 lbs each.

Another thing, the video doesn't show this, but after tinning the ends with solder you should wipe off the excess with a rag while it is still hot. Then grind the terminal on the forklift battery flat and this makes for a beautiful connection.

To see more pictures take a look at my blog http://poormanguides.blogspot.com/

Richard

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• copper pipe bus bar
• free forklift battery

[rclewis01]

Paul,

There is a skin effect at high voltages and high frequencies. But we are talking low voltage DC, so it is all about cross sectional surface area. And the more surface area then the less resistance. To get the same surface area as the bus bar, the stranded wire would have to be larger due to all the space between each round strand.

[pgm98387]

Sir,

I have a battery bank using a copper bar (electrical spec from mcmaster) threaded thru my battery posts on an AGM battery bank. Responders tell me to use cables instead. They say stranded wire conducts electricity better than solid copper? What do you think? The specs say larger AWG sizes are lower in ohms resistance.

Your sugestions would be appreciated.

Paul

pgm98387