When setting up a dual battery system or building out a larger battery bank for off-grid adventures, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items like lithium batteries, chargers, and inverters. But there’s one component that often flies under the radar – your linking cables.
They might not look flashy, but battery linking cables are critical to any 12V power setup. If you're planning to link batteries in series or parallel, the quality, length, and gauge of your cables can make a huge difference to the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of your system.
This article will discuss exactly why linking cables matter, and what you should look for when choosing them.
Series vs Parallel: Why Linking Matters
First, a quick refresher:
- Linking in Series increases voltage, while the amp-hour (Ah) capacity stays the same. For example, linking two 12V 100Ah batteries in series gives you 24V at 100Ah.
- Linking in Parallel keeps the voltage the same but doubles the capacity. So two 12V 100Ah batteries in parallel give you 12V at 200Ah.
No matter which configuration you go with, the linking cables you use play a critical role in transferring power between batteries safely and efficiently.
Why Cable Quality and Gauge Matter
Not all cables are created equal. Here’s why you should always go with high-quality, purpose-built linking cables:
1. Voltage Drop: The Silent Power Thief
Voltage drop occurs when electricity loses pressure (voltage) as it travels through a cable. The longer and thinner the cable – or the poorer the quality – the more energy you lose along the way.
In a dual battery or battery bank setup, excessive voltage drop can:
- Reduce charging efficiency
- Cause uneven charging between batteries
- Trigger low-voltage cut-offs in connected gear
That’s why choosing the correct wire gauge (thickness) is vital. The larger the cable (measured in AWG – American Wire Gauge), the lower the resistance and the better the performance.
For most dual battery or battery bank setups, 2AWG linking cables strike a great balance between flexibility and performance, making them ideal for linking large lithium batteries.
2. Short, Direct Links Are Best
When linking batteries, your cables should be as short as practically possible to reduce voltage drop even further. That’s why KickAss offers 200mm, 400mm & 525mm options – to give you tight, tidy, and efficient connections between battery terminals without excess slack, no matter the size of your setup.
3. Proper Coating and Construction
Linking cables should be double-insulated with flexible yet durable coatings to withstand heat, vibration, and outdoor conditions. A robust cable ensures your setup can handle high current loads without cracking, melting, or becoming brittle over time.
Look for features like:
- Heavy-duty copper cores for maximum conductivity
- Protective sheaths that are resistant to abrasion and oil
- Securely crimped and soldered lugs for reliable connections
Don’t Risk Safety or Performance
Using subpar or DIY linking cables might seem like they’ll save you money, but you’re rolling the dice when it comes to system stability and safety. Poor quality cables can overheat under load, wear out faster, or create uneven resistance between batteries – leading to unbalanced charging or even short circuits.
In short: don’t cut corners here. Investing in proper linking cables will ensure your setup runs cooler, charges better, and lasts longer.
KickAss Linking Cables: Built for Off-Grid Power
At KickAss, we’ve designed our linking cables specifically for 12V and 24V battery systems. They're tested to withstand the demands of remote travel, rugged conditions, and high-output electrical loads.
- 200mm Black and Red Battery Linking Cables – Ideal for tight configurations such as battery boxes or tray-mounted setups.
- 400mm Black and Red Battery Linking Cables – Offers greater reach while maintaining low resistance, perfect for linking batteries mounted side-by-side or slightly apart.
- 525mm Black and Red Battery Linking Cables – The longer reach is perfect for bigger setups.
Both options include heavy-duty copper lugs, protective heat shrink, and colour-coded insulation to ensure quick and accurate installation.
Plug & Play Simplicity
Whether you’re building a compact 12V battery bank or wiring up a full off-grid canopy fit-out, we’ve got bundles and kits that include everything you need – KickAss lithium batteries, high-quality linking cables, fuses, mounts, and more.
We’ve taken care of the sizing, safety, and compatibility – so all you have to do is plug it in and hit the road.
Final Tips for Linking Batteries
Before you start connecting batteries, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Always link batteries of the same type, voltage, and capacity. Don’t mix and match old and new batteries.
- Pre-plan your layout to avoid messy cable runs and awkward connections.
- Use equal-length cables when linking in parallel to ensure current is shared evenly.
- Label everything – especially in larger setups – to make maintenance and troubleshooting easier later.
Ready to Build Your Battery Bank?
If you're serious about reliable off-grid power, don’t overlook the little things – because the cables you choose can make or break your system.
Explore our full range of battery linking cables, or check out our battery bundles designed for seamless, worry-free installations.
Need to talk things through? Drop into one of our retail stores, or give us a call on (07) 3123 4715 to speak to one of our 12V experts. The team will be happy to chat.
