After a fire in the engine bay ( before i got it) my alternator cable has seen better days...does anyone know what cable is used to connect an alternator? I know its twin core but what amp?

Cheers

N1

What's the alternator? (photos are handy if you don't know)

Good point well made! its on a BEC Suzuki GSXR 1100

What caused the fire BTW?

I think he said his fuel pipe split and sprayed petrol onto the exhaust. i could have left it as it was but fancied getting it done.

Ive just seen that coming from the alternator is the 2 core wire....it then goes into a single core wire......why would this be done?



It was well wrapped/insultaed so i cut it open to reveal the above.

[Edited on 1/8/12 by number-1]

You need something larger than the maximum output of the alternator - so for a 40A Alternator be thinking 50-60A cable

So something bigger than Ref 50 here http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/cable/thinwall.php

You only really want/need a single cable. The only reason I can think for going 2-1 on any cable is running out of the correctly rated cable and extending it with a few bits of spare he had hanging around. Not necessarily a fire risk if done well, but it wouldn't give me much confidence in the overall build quality. Fine-tooth comb required to go over the whole car in my opinion.

I seem to remember reading the lucas alternators use 2 spade connectors to allow for easier connections and a less inconvenient cable, 2 30A cables are much easier to run than a 60A cable.

[Edited on 1/8/12 by Staple balls]