Extend cables and move switch?

[JASinIL2006]

A couple of years ago, I installed a Blue Sea Add-A-Battery kit to control charging of my starting and house batteries. After a couple of years of use, I've decided I did a lousy job locating the switch; I'd like to move it about 3' so I can reach it easily from outside the boat (when the boat is trailered).

The cables I had made when I installed the kit are not long enough to allow the switch to move much. Rather than buy all new cables, I'm wondering if I can just install some terminal posts and buy some 3' extension cable to allow me to relocate the switch. I oversized all the cables when I installed the kit, so I don't think increasing the run will cause any problems.

I was thinking about something like these: https://www.iboats.com/shop/blue-sea-systems-dual-powerpost-2-x-5-16-18-studs.html. It looks like the would allow the existing cables to be connected to some new 'extender' cables that would then be connected to the switch.

Any problems with this plan? Anything that might work better (other than buying new, longer cables)?

Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Your extending the alternator charge circuit (via ACR) 3 feet, so 6 feet total, correct?
What size are the cables used now?

 

[Scott Danforth]

cables are cheap, suggest you jump a size and do it correctly

 

[JASinIL2006]

I just went out and looked at the wiring. It looks like I can move the switch and only two cables might be affected; the rest look like they’ll easily reach the new location.

One cable connects the House battery (+) to the Blue Sea switch; the current cable is an 8’ 4 AWG cable. The second cable that will be too short connects the switch to the accessory fuse panel; it is a 1’ 6 AWG cable.

Since it looks like only two cables will be affected, I think I will just jump a size in cable and have some longer ones made up.

FYI, the cables between the switch and the starter (+) are 4’ 2 AWG and between the battery and the switch ( also +) are 3’ 2 AWG.

 

[alldodge]

Assuming you have the standard 65 to 75 amp ALT, I see 6 AWG as good enough for normal use, and 4 AWG if max amps were needed for recharge over a long period