Alternator Fuse
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Alternator Fuse
Just a quick question here. If I tap power from the alternator or the horn relay for headlight relays, does that line need a circuit breaker? The high and low beam will each have a separate 10 amp circuit breaker from a fuse box and relay.
Thanks, 68 Vetteman
Thanks, 68 Vetteman
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
So the relays OUTPUT will be fused (Circuit breaker...protected) going to the headlights.
YES- especially if the distance from your power source (horn relay) is more than a few inches and could get cut /pinched or damaged.
Now the size of your beakers are probably going to be too small...
With stock bulbs 55/60Watt- each bulb is going to pull around 4A EACH so four of those running- the breaker will pop.
Richard
YES- especially if the distance from your power source (horn relay) is more than a few inches and could get cut /pinched or damaged.
Now the size of your beakers are probably going to be too small...
With stock bulbs 55/60Watt- each bulb is going to pull around 4A EACH so four of those running- the breaker will pop.
Richard
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
So the relays OUTPUT will be fused (Circuit breaker...protected) going to the headlights.
YES- especially if the distance from your power source (horn relay) is more than a few inches and could get cut /pinched or damaged.
Now the size of your beakers are probably going to be too small...
With stock bulbs 55/60Watt- each bulb is going to pull around 4A EACH so four of those running- the breaker will pop.
Richard
YES- especially if the distance from your power source (horn relay) is more than a few inches and could get cut /pinched or damaged.
Now the size of your beakers are probably going to be too small...
With stock bulbs 55/60Watt- each bulb is going to pull around 4A EACH so four of those running- the breaker will pop.
Richard
68 Vetteman
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
I would fuse the power source to each relay right at the source. Then if there is a short between fuse and headlight you are covered. If you fuse downstream of relay you have no protection back upstream.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
68 Vetteman
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
I used two Bussman waterproof fuse holders from Advance Auto. I think I used an 8 gauge wire from the Alt to the horn relay bus. I like your idea of the fuse box. Probably looks cleaner. Do you have a link for the one you are going to use?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I used some modular combo fuse/relay holders.
Mounted them right next to electric headlight motors- I have a cover for them and went w/ the fuses that have a LEDs in them - light up when they are blown.
DSCN5160 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Since I have my electric fans- horns-electric headlights- upgraded 80/100 W and 100W headlights all powered up front- I have a battery post w/ 4GU that is fused at the firewall terminal.
DSCN5170 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Here's what I like to fuse bigger wires-
I went w/ 12GU from the relays to the lights
DSCN5143 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Also went with upgraded connectors for the headlights-
DSCN4923 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
Mounted them right next to electric headlight motors- I have a cover for them and went w/ the fuses that have a LEDs in them - light up when they are blown.
DSCN5160 by Richard Hayes, on FlickrSince I have my electric fans- horns-electric headlights- upgraded 80/100 W and 100W headlights all powered up front- I have a battery post w/ 4GU that is fused at the firewall terminal.
DSCN5170 by Richard Hayes, on FlickrHere's what I like to fuse bigger wires-
I went w/ 12GU from the relays to the lights
DSCN5143 by Richard Hayes, on FlickrAlso went with upgraded connectors for the headlights-
DSCN4923 by Richard Hayes, on Flickr
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