Alternator wiring

[gav]

Hi all

I'm trying to identify the amperage capacity of my alternator wire to make sure it is sufficient. An auto electrician converted my wiring loom about 25 years ago using brown/yellow pvc wire (I don't think it is thin wall) following the instructions in the manual to convert control box to alternator.
It has either 63 or 64 strands each of which appear to measure around 0.26mm in diameter and the diameter across all of the strands is around 2,85mm
This doesn't conform to modern wiring regimes so I don't seem able to find any helpful information.
Might any electrical gurus be able to assist please? - I'm trying to establish the amperage capacity of the cable in normal use.
Many thanks
Gavin

[lotusfan]

Gavin

Doing a search on 63/0.26 cable says 30 Amps max which probably sounds about right.

[gav]

Thanks Mike - that's really helpful.

Please may I ask - where did you source the information?

[lotusfan]

Hi Gavin.

I went into google and searched 63/0.26 cable and found somewhere that sold cable that size and it said 30 Amps. As a cross check I worked out the crosssectional area of your cable 3.3 mm2 and we know that 2.5 mm2 is good for about 20 Amps so it made sense.

[alan.barker]

I imagine this is an extra cable running alongside the original for the generator.
One cable for 30 amps is not enough.
I take it the alternator is 45 amps.
Two big spades on alternator and both need to be used.
Alan

[gav]

I have a 50A 18 ACR Alternator and in truth have never had a huge draw when driving.

I am taking the opportunity of updating a few things while the engine is out. It is currently(sorry) a single cable from the alternator to the solenoid point and being an older cable is likely to be undersized. I have a thin wall 50 Amp cable to fit and am thinking about two cables back to the solenoid - but that really is overkill

[alan.barker]

Hi Gav,
2 cables to Solenoid why not.
I did this on my Sprint when i fitted an ACR 17 and soo nice to have Indicators working well. Nice to be seen when all the modern Cars seem so big.
Alan

[pharriso]

I put the attached together for quick reference:

CableCrossReference.pdf

(400.49 KiB) Downloaded 39 times

I hope it is of use to others.

[gav]

Brilliant - Thanks Phil

Although not coded, presumably we can add the 63/0.26 + 30 Amps to the standard PVC section.

I love this site

All the best
Gavin