Measure Voltage Drop Re: <VV> HPT!!

[JVHRoberts at aol.com]

A few tenths on a 12v system is more than I'd like to see, especially since 
incandescent bulbs, like the headlights, have a brightness proportional to the 
3.5 power of the voltage. 
So, the real question is, why add something that does this, and you don't 
need?


In a message dated 2/24/2005 5:36:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, FrankCB writes:
John and Les,
    Granted there is a voltage drop across any fuse or circuit breaker.  
Question is, how significant is it?  Measure the voltage drop across the 
fuse/breaker with all the devices operating - headlights/radio/A/C/heater etc. on.  If 
it's only a few tenths of a volt difference between one side of the 
fuse/breaker and the other, as I suspect, and your alternator is putting out 14.2 volts 
as it should, then you're not losing a significant part of the voltage.  If 
that's true, I would keep the fuse/breaker installed.
    Frank "measure before deciding" Burkhard

In a message dated 2/23/05 5:23:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
JVHRoberts at aol.com writes:
Actually, I would suggest against it. For one thing, these devices add 
voltage drop. Even a MAXI fuse adds voltage drop. Personally, I trust the 
insulation 
on the big fat red wire all the way up to the fuse panel. If you're REALLY 
worried about it, put it inside of a piece of plastic or rubber tubing, and 
armor it from damage. Your headlights, et al, will thank you.

In a message dated 2/23/2005 8:42:21 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
corvair at mb.sympatico.ca writes:
Now THAT makes sense, considering that I was going to add a big fuse between 
the battery and the junction anyways...

Les