Intend to wire my voltmeter as per image below, however what size cable should I use. Surely the voltmeter will be subject to the same amps as the main charging feed to the battery (35 - 50 amps ?). Or should I just wire it in anywhere (does it matter ?(

thanks

IIRC from A-level, the ideal voltmeter would have infinate resistance (obviously that isnt how real ones are but its close)

So with that the current flowing through it will be tiny. So you should be able to use whatever cable you like.

Cheers,
David

Correct.

You can also wire it to any 12V feed, doesn't need to be straight to the battery.

Flak Monkey is right, Current=Voltage/Resistance and the resistance of the voltmeter is very high so the current will be virtually zero. An ammeter does need heavy cable however, as it's resistance is very low (otherwise no current would reach battery!)

the ammeter should be in series with all electrical loads apart from starter motor,that is why it should be heavy cable,as you have it it will show charge but none of the loads created by lights etc will be measured,a volt meter is just a tap of of the battery with no real current going through it

So just wire the voltmeter into any 12v feed behond the dash. I'm not fitting an ammeter at this time but thanks for the info, I'll write it down for when I do.)

thanks

Just to underline for other builders while the voltmeter will work safely with light wiring bu the ammeter reqires very careful wiring.

[Edited on 23/5/04 by britishtrident]