Fusible Link
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 312
Likes: 12
From: Tipton In.
Fusible Link
Getting ready to install the cs144 alternator on my 75, Bought some 4 guage wire to run to the solenoid from the alternator and now looking for a fusible link to put in the wire at the solenoid. What guage fusible link do I need and where can I find. Lowest I have found is 10 guage.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
You can use the 10 gauge link with a 6 gauge charging wire. You probably don't need that unless you have a lot of accessories connected to your battery. If you are dead set on the 4 gauge you will need an 8 gauge fusible link.
Something to think about:
For the approximately 7-10 foot circuit you are proposing an 8 gauge wire would handle 65-85 amps. A 6 gauge wire for the same length would easily handle 100 amps at 13.8 volts with minimal voltage drop. The battery should never draw this amount of amperage during normal charging after a start. However you know what additional items you have connected directly to your battery that may require higher amperage going back to the battery over and above what is required for charging.
Something to think about:
For the approximately 7-10 foot circuit you are proposing an 8 gauge wire would handle 65-85 amps. A 6 gauge wire for the same length would easily handle 100 amps at 13.8 volts with minimal voltage drop. The battery should never draw this amount of amperage during normal charging after a start. However you know what additional items you have connected directly to your battery that may require higher amperage going back to the battery over and above what is required for charging.
Last edited by flyeri; Dec 23, 2017 at 05:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Something to think about:
For the approximately 7-10 foot circuit you are proposing an 8 gauge wire would handle 65-85 amps. A 6 gauge wire for the same length would easily handle 100 amps at 13.8 volts with minimal voltage drop. The battery should never draw this amount of amperage during normal charging after a start. However you know what additional items you have connected directly to your battery that may require higher amperage going back to the battery over and above what is required for charging.
For the approximately 7-10 foot circuit you are proposing an 8 gauge wire would handle 65-85 amps. A 6 gauge wire for the same length would easily handle 100 amps at 13.8 volts with minimal voltage drop. The battery should never draw this amount of amperage during normal charging after a start. However you know what additional items you have connected directly to your battery that may require higher amperage going back to the battery over and above what is required for charging.
Rule of thumb- go with a one size larger wire to handle the higher ambient temperatures under the hood- as higher temperatures increase the wire's resistance and lowers it's current rating.
Richard
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 312
Likes: 12
From: Tipton In.
You can use the 10 gauge link with a 6 gauge charging wire. You probably don't need that unless you have a lot of accessories connected to your battery. If you are dead set on the 4 gauge you will need an 8 gauge fusible link.
Something to think about:
For the approximately 7-10 foot circuit you are proposing an 8 gauge wire would handle 65-85 amps. A 6 gauge wire for the same length would easily handle 100 amps at 13.8 volts with minimal voltage drop. The battery should never draw this amount of amperage during normal charging after a start. However you know what additional items you have connected directly to your battery that may require higher amperage going back to the battery over and above what is required for charging.
Something to think about:
For the approximately 7-10 foot circuit you are proposing an 8 gauge wire would handle 65-85 amps. A 6 gauge wire for the same length would easily handle 100 amps at 13.8 volts with minimal voltage drop. The battery should never draw this amount of amperage during normal charging after a start. However you know what additional items you have connected directly to your battery that may require higher amperage going back to the battery over and above what is required for charging.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
And that is an excellent point Richard. If it is just a charging circuit a 6 is one size larger than needed. But with the possible modifications he mentions later the 4 may be the way to go, especially if he runs the fans and a fuel pump directly from the battery.
