FFIM Picture request

[GrimJack]

I think he is talking about putting a fuse within 18" of the battery (the closer the better). This is a good idea when running a power cable the length of the car. The problem is that the starter runs off of this cable and it draws a lot of current. Personally, I am planning on running a 150-amp circuit breaker.

Exactly.

See, the problem is, that if this cable gets frayed, or cut in an accident, or somehow loses it's insulation and touches the body of the car, it produces a dead short. A BIG dead short. Big enough that it will heat up the battery and the cable - big enough that it will more than likely light both of them on fire.

The LAST thing you want in a car you were driving after an accident is fire along the entire length of the car. That's a recipe for turning a survivable crash into a human marshmallow roast.

If you fuse the positive cable, or run it through a circuit breaker, then when the same thing happens, the fuse pops, you get out, look at the damage, and get a ride home in the tow truck instead of the coroner's wagon.

 

[Inygknok]

Exactly.

See, the problem is, that if this cable gets frayed, or cut in an accident, or somehow loses it's insulation and touches the body of the car, it produces a dead short. A BIG dead short. Big enough that it will heat up the battery and the cable - big enough that it will more than likely light both of them on fire.

The LAST thing you want in a car you were driving after an accident is fire along the entire length of the car. That's a recipe for turning a survivable crash into a human marshmallow roast.

If you fuse the positive cable, or run it through a circuit breaker, then when the same thing happens, the fuse pops, you get out, look at the damage, and get a ride home in the tow truck instead of the coroner's wagon.

Got a picture of said fuse and specs (or whatever)? So I'll know exactly what to get when I go to the parts shop. I can then google some shots and have an idea on how/where to install it.

 

[survyor2]

0 guage cable from battery to engine bay with 200 amp ANL fuse and volt meter:

2 guage cable from dual fuse box with 150 amp ANL fuses to starter and alternator:

 

[NashMan]

here is mine nice and tidy and has kill switch as well

 

[WhtMa71]

Where did you guys ground the battery in the back? I know proper ground should be the engine block but I don't know about running 2 wires the length of the car.

 

[GrimJack]

Mine is grounded to the floor of the box itself. Nash, are those circuit breakers on the outside of the box? Or is that your kill switch?

 

[survyor2]

Mine is grounded to the frame around the fuel tank AND to the engine block.

 

[Inygknok]

0 guage cable from battery to engine bay with 200 amp ANL fuse and volt meter:

2 guage cable from dual fuse box with 150 amp ANL fuses to starter and alternator:

So you fused the battery right outside of its box, and then again inside the engine bay? If so, double insurance?

 

[NashMan]

Mine is grounded to the floor of the box itself. Nash, are those circuit breakers on the outside of the box? Or is that your kill switch?

there breakers there 10 times better then any fuse if you have to work on car just flip a breaker

and lets say if you get addcent and the switch get jamed then the breaks blow so eather way your safe


plus it's cheep then spiffy waffer fuses or mini waffer fuses ect


can egt them at lordco or napa for alot cheepr then the audio gear stuff

 

[survyor2]

So you fused the battery right outside of its box, and then again inside the engine bay? If so, double insurance?

Yes, plus its a splitter.

 

[arknotts]

Mine is grounded to the frame around the fuel tank AND to the engine block.

Did you run a separate ground cable up front? Or do you mean you just grounded the engine block to the chassis?

 

[survyor2]

Did you run a separate ground cable up front? Or do you mean you just grounded the engine block to the chassis?

I grounded the battery to the chasis near the fuel tank. then I ran a wire from that ground point to the engine. then I ran a wire from that engine ground point to the front strut tower.

I took every precaution I can with wiring. Its not my strong point so I'm as careful as possible. And its paid off too. Once my power wire grounded out on the alternator body. I'm glad I had a separate 150amp fuse goign to the alternator so I was able to pin point my problem quickly since the alternator fuse blew. A 200amp fuse blowing is ALOT of current before it blows.

Dennis

 

[dbsupra90]

don't forget to vent the box, and don't vent on top of the gas tank.