what gauge of wire.....

[grizwald]

.....would you run from the back of the alternator to the battery in the trunk? 10 guage big enough?

 

[Doober]

I'd do 4ga. A lot more distance for that current to cover.

 

[rich]

street car or race car output of altthis all adds to the question

 

[10secBu]

100 amp alternator = 4 gauge wire.

 

[grizwald]

4 guage? that's huge! that's almost the size of the battery cable itself! i'm running a 94 amp alternator and it's a street/strip car.

 

[10secBu]

No, battery cable is 1/0 typically and is MUCH larger than 4 gauge.

4 gauge is the correct size for the amperage rating over the length of the wire. The longer the wire, the more voltage drop seen.

Wire Sizing Chart

 

[grizwald]

thanks for the help. never would have considered running that big of wire. i'll have to see what i can find.

 

[rich]

heres a great link with info
http://www.affordable-solar.com/wire.charts.htm
BDBatteries.com - Battery Distributor

 

[Robert1320]

4 gauge is correct.
Don't forget a ground cable too. (full length)

 

[grizwald]

ok....i'm on board with the 4 guage opinion....but ground? what would i ground for the alternator? the battery is already grounded at the back of the car.