Date:         Sun, 31 Jan 1999 09:01:02 -0800
Reply-To:     Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      sizing fuse for 2nd battery set-up
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hello Volks,
Well, after the recent discussion on auxiliary battery set-ups I've come to
the conclusion that I want to upgrade to larger wires and a larger battery
switch.
What I've come up with so far is #4 wire between the positive posts and a
100 amp battery switch that is sold at RV and Solar dealers. I realize that
some will think that overkill, but it does two things: 1, it reduces heat
loss to a minimum thus allowing the fastest recharge of my auxiliary
battery, and 2, it would allow a fully charged auxiliary battery to provide
a jump start (with out jumper cables) in the event that my starter battery
dies.
So here, finally, is my question: The above set-up is sized to carry 100
amps safely, the alternator puts out only 90 amps. So do I need a fuse? As
far as my limited Bentley reading abilities go, I don't see a fuse between
the starter battery and the starter. Nor do I see a fuse between the
alternator and the starter battery. So why would I need a fuse between the
starter battery and the auxiliary battery if it is sized to take more than
the alternator will put out?
Thanks for your responses,
Bill
90 West Syncro