Fusing big 3

[CSCStang]

I've read a lot of opinions regarding this topic. What is the benefit/drawback of fusing? I've been told by a very respected person on this site that it does need to be done and that you fuse to the ALT rating, not the wire. Discuss.....

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[d77543020 10+ year member]

theirs no drawback imo but these guys who dont like using any fusing in there cars say you loose power by fusing but unless you compete i would not worry about it

 

[CSCStang]

theirs no drawback imo but these guys who dont like using any fusing in there cars say you loose power by fusing but unless you compete i would not worry about it

Thanks. Not worried, just curious. I hear ppl say that if the fuse blows, it will ruin the alt? But if you are just adding wire, would that mean the stock run would be worthless?

 

[I'mPoor:(]

Thanks. Not worried, just curious. I hear ppl say that if the fuse blows, it will ruin the alt? But if you are just adding wire, would that mean the stock run would be worthless?

this is why you keep your stock run. If the fuse blows then more then likely you have a break in the main line from alt to battery and it is touching metal etc... Having the OEM wire allows you to operate the vehicle normally with no damage.

 

[CSCStang]

this is why you keep your stock run. If the fuse blows then more then likely you have a break in the main line from alt to battery and it is touching metal etc... Having the OEM wire allows you to operate the vehicle normally with no damage.

Agreed. The other part of my question is the fuse rating. I've been told that you fuse to the alt rating, (I.e. 135 amp alt, 135 amp fuse) not the wire, which makes sense to me.

 

[I'mPoor:(]

Agreed. The other part of my question is the fuse rating. I've been told that you fuse to the alt rating, (I.e. 135 amp alt, 135 amp fuse) not the wire, which makes sense to me.

Certain alternators depending on which may do greater then rated at certain times/rpms. Its always a good idea to put it at rating of the wire because if there is a break its going to blow the fuse when it hits metal.

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

I've read a lot of opinions regarding this topic. What is the benefit/drawback of fusing? I've been told by a very respected person on this site that it does need to be done and that you fuse to the ALT rating, not the wire. Discuss.....

There's really no reason not to have a fuse. There should be a fuse about 12" from your battery positive on your main power wire that goes to your amps. You always fuse for the wire gauge. The fuse is there to protect the wire. Even if you have a 80A alt on 1/0 wiring, you can still pop the fuse if something shorts.