Tapping power off the alternator?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
Tapping power off the alternator?
Is there a way that you can tap power off the alternator and make it look nice? I need to run a couple of relays but like the looks of originality with the rubber boot covering the positive lead.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Sure. Just run the new wire along the existing wire, push it thru the boot then install the ring terminal. Tape the wire along the wire harness and it will hardly be noticeable.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
That is a better place to draw power than at the alternator. But, depending on 'how much' additional current you are drawing, you may need to add wiring capacity to the wire from the alt to the battery and/or to the main line where most current is being fed to that relay. If you are not drawing more than about 20 amps (additional), don't worry about needing to upgrade the wiring. If you draw more than that, you run the risk of melting one (or more) fusible-links in the wiring system.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
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From: Youngstown Ohio
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 7
From: Wake Forest NC
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 7
From: Wake Forest NC
I had the same issue in addition to the fans. Ended up bussing (from alternator power) 4 cktbkrs together for lo beam, hi beam, fan1, fan2.
I used this: http://www.allbatterysalesandservice...cfm/2,946.html
I used this: http://www.allbatterysalesandservice...cfm/2,946.html
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