Amp gauge shunt
A really good point to emphasize. The battery charging is a big variable. We've talked about this in another thread recently so I wont repeat here. I think the best way to plan the best circuitry for the situation is to add up the known loads (amps) when the engine is running, as well as the loads when the engine is off. Then figure the range of charging load - if its going to be deep cycled - make sure it can handle that.
Here's maybe a better example of that previous diagram with an auxilery fusebox in the engine bay.
IF the equipment fed from that box (fans and lights) are only going to be run when the engine is running, then placing it on the alternator output has two advantages.
1. Avoids sending the power to the fuse box through a fusible link.
2. The power is divided three ways. Even if the battery wants a major charge, at least its on seperate wire.
Here's an illustration of power flow with alternator off, battery supplying fans. Now if the there's an electric fuel pump or stereo, you can draw that in. Point is, the best way to distribute varies on what you're adding and when it will be running.
Recharge will be over the same wires, except in the other direction. So the wires may already be warm, and then they will see a frequently see higher recharge current than stock because the battery was drained more than stock.
Adding a wire between alternator output and the starter relay stud would shorten the path to the fans when running on battery. And, as in the previous example, it would split up the alternator output current.
A really good point to emphasize. The battery charging is a big variable. We've talked about this in another thread recently so I wont repeat here. I think the best way to plan the best circuitry for the situation is to add up the known loads (amps) when the engine is running, as well as the loads when the engine is off. Then figure the range of charging load - if its going to be deep cycled - make sure it can handle that.
Here's maybe a better example of that previous diagram with an auxilery fusebox in the engine bay.
IF the equipment fed from that box (fans and lights) are only going to be run when the engine is running, then placing it on the alternator output has two advantages.
1. Avoids sending the power to the fuse box through a fusible link.
2. The power is divided three ways. Even if the battery wants a major charge, at least its on seperate wire.
Here's an illustration of power flow with alternator off, battery supplying fans. Now if the there's an electric fuel pump or stereo, you can draw that in. Point is, the best way to distribute varies on what you're adding and when it will be running.
Recharge will be over the same wires, except in the other direction. So the wires may already be warm, and then they will see a frequently see higher recharge current than stock because the battery was drained more than stock.
Adding a wire between alternator output and the starter relay stud would shorten the path to the fans when running on battery. And, as in the previous example, it would split up the alternator output current.
