Fusible link

[84cutspreme]

I just bought a 140amp alternator and 6-gauge cable for charging wire. 1st question is why didnt the factory install a link on charging wire and just off starter? From research I need 10-gauge fusible link for 6-gauge wire. I spoke to the fellow at mad electric and he said that the 10-gauge might not work because it wouldnt create enough heat to melt it if there was a problem, and he recommended 2 8-gauge wires each with 12-gauge fusible links to split load....I thought this was a little odd because I know a few diesel trucks with high amp alternators and/or dual batteries that use 10-gauge fusible links. Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[drogg1]

The starter draws a huge amount of current when cranking and so it needs the current rating of the heavier gauge wire.

The system downstream needs to be protected by a fusible link so it is not allowed to draw too much current.

From what I can tell, using a 10 gauge fusible link is correct for a 6 gauge wire. the guy you spoke probably is going from experience. I think you would probably be ok either way.