Alternator wiring questions.

[regizzle 10+ year member]

currently got my 250 amp alternator from mechman last night, installing it today. should i fuse the line? and i should use a 250 amp fuse if i do right? and does the anl fuse box have to be waterproof? Its a 1996 chevy tahoe so the alternator isnt close to the ground so i dont really think theres a chance it'll get wet but yea...

Also, my altertnator has a ground post on it, Where should i put the ground? Same place i have my engine block to frame ground? (already have big 3.)

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[All_Logix 10+ year member]

I highly recommend fusing the line, and fuse it based on the wire not the output of the alt. Also it should ground though the engine block, but if it does have a ground post, I would just run a wire from back to the engine block as well

 

[MECHMAN 10+ year member]

For your charge wire, keep your OEM wiring connected and add a 1/0 cable from the alternator output stud to the battery positive. You can fuse it if you like, some do, some don't. If you fuse it you will want to go with a 300a fuse, the 250a units will put out more than rated power. I like to use fuse holders that have lugs to the fuse can be bypassed in case it blows.

It does not have to be waterproof.

The ground stud on the alternator should be connected directly to the battery negative, no fuse required.

Eric.