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Cable size

Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2025 11:54 am
by paul1957
Hi guys what size cable in amps goes from the ignition switch to the coil and from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid the car is negative earth and has a alternator conversion
Regards Paul

Re: Cable size

Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2025 1:58 pm
by oliver90owner
The coil will normally take no more than about 4A with points closed (ie resistive current determined by battery voltage (V) and coil resistance (R) according to Ohm’Law which is V=IR where the current (I) is calculated as Amps).

The gauge of the wire would not need to be in excess for a continuous load so a gauge suitable for 8A would be more than adequate. The current when the engine is running will be considerably reduced due to the inductive action of the continual opening and closing of the circuit by the operation of the contact points in the distributor.

Re: Cable size

Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2025 4:24 pm
by paul1957
Thanks for your reply 👍

Re: Cable size

Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2025 5:43 pm
by paul1957
Would electronic ignition make a difference