To fuse or not to fuse?

[mr Tibbs 10+ year member]

That is the question.....

I have done 2 of the big 3 wiring, but the last one is the alt to battery. The run is about 8 inches long and it's the factory alt. So, should I throw a fuse in there or not? Also, will 4 gauge be enough for this or not? I believe the factory alt is 65 amps. Thoughts?//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

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[J31Rob 5,000+ posts]

4 ga will be fine.

fusing is safer.

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

on my explorer the alt charging lead is fused from the factory...i'm sure it is on a lot of other vehicles as well....i didn't check the fuse size

 

[Lil Poot 5,000+ posts]

right but if you add in another wire for the big 3, it's not fused unless you put one there.

 

[mr Tibbs 10+ year member]

right but if you add in another wire for the big 3, it's not fused unless you put one there.

Correct, I would be adding another wire not replacing anything. Also, I was wrong, the stock alt is 120 amps. So, is 4 gauge still ok or should I bump it up to 1/0 (because that is what I have lying around)?

 

[Atimm693 10+ year member]

8 inches long, 4g should be fine.