Wiring up an Ammeter

[brens-s80]

Hi all,

Yes its me again ;-).

I bought an Ammeter at the recent BKV and I'am wondering how to wire it up ?. I have constructed a panel that holds the ammeter, oil temp and oil pressure gauge all to fit under the ashtray opening .

Has anyone fitted one before and if so whats the best method ?.

thanks in advance

brendan

[Erling]

Brendan;
I will not guarantee that this applies to all kinds of amperemeters, but here's a simple diagram:



...borrowed from this site.
Use a heavy gauge wire!

[brens-s80]

Hi Erling,

many thanks for that. Just wondering is there an easy connection point on the altenator or will I have to remove it in order to fit the connection.

Yes I'am using 27Amp wire for the connections but I'am wondering should I fuse it ( I don't want my car to go on fire after all this work ) and if so what ampege would you think suitable?.

thanks once again

brendan

[Andrew (UK)]

The important bit and one that is missed from that diagram is to make sure the connection from the starter goes direct to the battery. You will need to disconnect the alternator connection from the starter and break the accessory connection from the battery (unplug it from the distibution block). Join the alternator feed to the accessory side of that break and then wire the ammeter across the break.
Don't fuse it - the car will completely die if it ever fused, which is not a good idea. Personally I would try and get something better than 27A wire. The alternator can produce 55A (or more on some models) and you could get most of that charging the battery just after a hard start, just look at what is attached to the alternator.
I much prefer to just have a voltmeter. I just don't like to have all the electric power for the car travelling all that way, twice through the firewall, unfused. If ever I were to fit an ammeter it would have to be a remote sensing type.

Andrew

[Peter D]

This requires at least a 60 amp cable or the volt drop between the alternator and the battery is too great and can leave the battery undercharging. Some ampmeter do not handle all the current and a current shunt is installed in the alternator line and a only the small volt drop 100mv for 100 amps is sent to the meter. Much better idea. What exactly is your ammeter going to tell you. These for used for the days of dynamo's and external regulators. A battery voltage meter is more indicative of the state of functionality and it does not keep moving it's needle around. Regards Peter

[Alec Dawe]

Originally Posted by Andrew (UK)

The important bit and one that is missed from that diagram is to make sure the connection from the starter goes direct to the battery. You will need to disconnect the alternator connection from the starter and break the accessory connection from the battery (unplug it from the distibution block). Join the alternator feed to the accessory side of that break and then wire the ammeter across the break.
Don't fuse it - the car will completely die if it ever fused, which is not a good idea. Personally I would try and get something better than 27A wire. The alternator can produce 55A (or more on some models) and you could get most of that charging the battery just after a hard start, just look at what is attached to the alternator.
I much prefer to just have a voltmeter. I just don't like to have all the electric power for the car travelling all that way, twice through the firewall, unfused. If ever I were to fit an ammeter it would have to be a remote sensing type.

Andrew

I have to agree, having had problems with badly fitted ammeters in the past, and that only on dynamos (showing age here, I know, what's a dynamo?).
Heavier gauge wire the better, and the heavier insulation the better. Use decent grommets in the bulkhead, and make sure that you solder the Connectors that you are using, don't just crimp them, cos the crimping won't like 55amps, and will start to heat.!

[tuning_redblock]

I did look at this to put into my project and decided that the dangers of fitting one were way too high to risk any of my hard work, best of luck whatever you choose!!

[brens-s80]

Hi all,

Well once again the forum has come up thrumps. From the general consensus it could appear that the fitting of an ammeter would incur VERY heavy wiringand the Possability of the car all going up in smoke if insulation too light , something I'am NOT willing to risk .

So on the last point alone I'll just leave the gauge there until I get an Ambienent Temperature Gauge and then replace it.

I already have a Voltmeter installed under the clock so I'am covered there,

Once again thanks to all

brendan