fusing batt to alt positive wire

[mondease 10+ year member]

Do you have to fuse the positive wire from the alt to batt? how much is the risk if I dont when doing the big 3. I know if you don't fuse something, there is always a chance for overdawning but is it that much of a risk if I don't? thanks

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[WantedIsHere]

dont have to but its a good idea...and your bat is only gonna take what it needs....

 

[iagrdshaka 5,000+ posts]

I don't have mine fused, which is probably not a good idea, but I'll take my chances.

 

[ShakesAllDay 10+ year member]

I wouldn't chance it. In-line fuses and holders are cheap insurance. What gauge are you running?

The risk: the same as any other electrical wire in your car. If it shorts and you don't have a fuse, there is a great possibility that the insulation will melt, effectively turning the wire into a hot iron - burning anything and everything it can.

 

[88Vette 10+ year member]

Do you have to fuse the positive wire from the alt to batt? how much is the risk if I dont when doing the big 3. I know if you don't fuse something, there is always a chance for overdawning but is it that much of a risk if I don't? thanks

Fuse it!

You don't want your ride to go up in smoke if something shorts out!

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

fusing that wire doesn't make much sense to me - especially in my car.

One -- my alt output bolt is 12-18" from my batt (+). There is very little chance to have a short there.

Two -- which end do you fuse? If you fuse near the battery and the wire's shorted the fuse near the battery will blow, but the alt will continue to generate as much current as it can until the short is removed.

If you fuse near the alt how do you fuse it? For alt output? Wire size? There's no right way to do it.

I GUESS the better way to go is near the battery for wire size, but it won't protect your alt.

 

[ShakesAllDay 10+ year member]

Yes, you are protecting the battery and wire.

I would rather replace a fried alternator than an exploded battery.