What gauge should alternator wire be?

Six or eight gauge, minimum. Re: gauge of wire for Alternator to battery?

What happens if you use too high gauge wire?

Larger than needed conductor add cost to the job. If the wire’s amperage capacity is less than the amperage of the load, the wire would eventually overheat and cause a fire. If however, the wire’s amperage capacity is higher than the load, nothing would happen.

How can I make my alternator go straight to the battery?

Make sure that it is bolted securely to the alternator mount. Attach a cable directly from the alternator output post to the positive side of the battery. This allows for full output from the alternator to the battery when heavy electrical demands are placed on the alternator. Wire the alternator controls.

How does wire thickness affect voltage?

The wire gauge refers to the THICKNESS of the wire. As such, lesser the thickness of a wire, higher will be its resistance and vice-versa. Consequently, due to higher resistance, flow of current will be reduced and voltage drop across the length of the wire will increase.

What gauge wire should be used with 12 volt battery?

12 Volt Wiring: Wire Gauge to Amps

Amps @ 13.8 Volts	LENGTH OF WIRE American Wire Gauge (AWG)
15-20	12-ga.	8-ga.
20-35	12-ga.	8-ga.
35-50	10-ga.	6 or 4-ga.
50-65	10-ga.	4-ga.

What gauge wire is used for battery cables?

Ideally, a 6 gauge cable is the best option for a 12-volt power supply. This automotive wire can sustain a maximum of 60 volts and is ideal for 12-volt electrical systems.

Is it OK to use heavier gauge wire?

Using larger gauge AWG wire offers you more flexibility in how your electrical system is laid out. Your electrician can add more outlets when your wiring has increased current potential. Larger wiring can sometimes be installed in risky areas where small wiring is not recommended.

Can I use a thicker gauge wire?

You can always use a larger gauge than is required whatever, as long as your wiring methods are proper.

Does wire gauge depend on voltage?

As others have stated, the voltage of the appliance/circuit has no bearing on the size (gauge) of the wire. Voltage dictates the quality of the insulation of a wire and most (power) wire we encounter will be rated for 600 Volts.

Why do I need to increase the wire size of alternator?

If you are using your alternator to it’s maximum output or when you upgrade to a higher output Alternator you must increase the wires size. An alternators ability to send the power it is making to the battery is directly related to the wire size and quality of connection between the alternator and battery.

What size charging wire do I need for a 140 amp alternator?

A high-amp alternator’s output can be negated by a charging wire or cable that is too small to handle it. The more amperage an alternator produces, the bigger the cable required. A 140 amp alternator, for example, requires a cable from 2-gauge to 00 gauge depending on the length (refer to the Charging Cable Gauge chart in the story).

How do you hook up an alternator to a battery?

You can piggy back a second wire between the alternator and battery. The main battery wire connected to the back of the alternator has power to it at all times, even when the vehicle is shut off. You connect this wire like normal then you run a second wire between the alternator and battery.

Can I run two wires from the alternator?

The power coming out of the alternator will treat the two wires as one, power follows the path of least resistance. On a safety note, when running the second wire you should fuse it near the battery.