power consumption of moggie electrics??

Post by **picky** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:07 pm

I have been wiring a new fusebox to replace the normal one, and i am no longer using the old regulator as i have fitted an alternator. I have an 8 way fusebox, so i have everything fused, usually 2 devices per fuse. thing is i need to know the current ratings of all my equipment, so that i can put suitable fuses in place. is any of this information on the internet? or will i have to turn things on one by one and see what current they are taking with an ammeter...
also the alternator says a127 70 on it, does this mean this is 70amp output?

Picky

Post by **Alec** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 5:06 pm

Hello Picky,

it is quite easy to calculate your load using watts divided by 12, e.g., a 60 watt headlight takes 5 amps.
With regards to fusing the lights, I would be careful as to how it is done. I would suggest as a minimum one for the side\tail circuit and one each for each headlight filament which is four for both headlights, main and dip. This is to minimise the effect of losing a fuse at night.

Alec

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 4:04 pm

The running volts are almost 14 - so the current is slightly less than above - but it's a fair guide. What type of alternator is it - Lucas ACR ?

Post by **Alec** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:11 pm

Hello BMCE,

I know that the running volts is higher than the nominal, but don't be misled that a higher voltage reduces current, a higher voltage gives an increase in current and a higher true wattage.

Alec

Post by **Onne** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:37 pm

Lights alone take a fair wattage. 120W for the headlight at high beam, 10W for the sidelights, 21W per indicator.
52W for rear lights (side and brake) 3W for numberplate light.

Really don't know what the starter is, but maybe that should be left running outside the fusebox
Ignition, again not a clue, but same applies.

Onne

Post by **picky** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:39 pm

its an alternator from a maestro, a127 70 , it looks the same as all the mini ones, and looking on the minispares site, it was put on minis from 1980 to 1996.

with the fuses if something takes say 10 amps when running, dont know what the best fuse to use is? as a 15amp one migh blow too easily and make it unreliable. how much higher should the fuse rating be compared to the approx. current consumption??

Post by **picky** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:41 pm

yeah im not going to fuse the starter, as i think that runs into the hundreds of amps? and also would need very thick cables etc to the fusebox.

Post by **Onne** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:44 pm

Yes indeed. There is not much of a point in doing that