Do I Need A Fuse?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=75573
Printed Date: July 17, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Topic: Do I Need A Fuse?
Posted By: teachmeaudio
Subject: Do I Need A Fuse?
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 4:22 PM
This maybe a dumb question, but i thought i read somewhere that I need a fuse for the power wire running from my alternator to the battery. I dont think it came with one thats why I dont think i need one. Then again i thought I read it somewhere. If i do need one, what size. Its a 160amp alternator, so would i need a 160amp fuse?
Replies:
Posted By: teachmeaudio
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 5:02 PM
Ok, i found my wiring diagram and found that the power from the alternator goes to the fuse box where there is a 80amp fuse. Then it goes out with a different wire to the pos. on the battery. Since i already upgraded the alternator from stock, What size fuse do i need, and also, do I just run my 4gauge cable from the alternator to the battery with the fuse no more than 12inches away from the battery terminal? Another thing, would this have caused the noise from the alternator? I had posted this up earlier, but nobody knew why it was making a sort of whistling noise.
Posted By: arrow12
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:02 PM
Did you read THIS? ------------- That's my opinion. Take it, leave it, or correct me.
Posted By: teachmeaudio
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:18 PM
Yes i have. There is nothing in there about what size fuse i should use though. That question asking the distance the fuse should be on the cable was just double checkin. I still need to know what size fuse to run. One larger or the same as what my alternator supposedly pulls.
Posted By: arrow12
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:25 PM
You should get a fuse that can cover the max output of your alternator and you should stay within 12 inches with the fuse.
-------------
That's my opinion. Take it, leave it, or correct me.
Posted By: teachmeaudio
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:28 PM
Cool, thanks for clearing things up!
Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:37 PM
and your using 2 guage wire for that 160 amp alternator? just checking  ------------- Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
Posted By: teachmeaudio
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:48 PM
Ummm, no. I asked someone else on here and they said 4 gauge was fine.
Posted By: teachmeaudio
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:50 PM
geepherder wrote:
4 gauge is fine.
Posted By: arrow12
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 6:58 PM
If he said it, then you're fine.
-------------
That's my opinion. Take it, leave it, or correct me.
Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 7:06 PM
the wire guage chart rates 4 guage at a 150 amps. therefore you must use a 150 amp fuse. the fuse is there to protect the wire from igniting and starting a fire.
-------------
Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
Posted By: teachmeaudio
Date Posted: April 02, 2006 at 7:06 PM
Good, cuz i already cut into my 4gauge pack and didn't want it to be useless.
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