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Electrical Question

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by DocsCJ5, May 13, 2007.

  1. May 13, 2007
    DocsCJ5

    DocsCJ5 73 CJ5

    Northern CA
    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2006
    Messages:
    156
    I'm not sure how to ask this question, but since I am re-wiring my jeep, I'm plan to install relays for the headlights and electric fan and etc. I have read read that running wires from the starter solenoid vs running wires from the battery terminal will help with corrosion problems. I am wondering if there is a high amp bus bar that could be used to run heavy gauge battery feed wires instead of trying to put all the wires on the positive side of the starter solenoid? When I installed my new 1 wire alternator to the positive battery
    terminal, it quickly became corroded. I'm trying to figure out a way to avoid this in the future. Thanks, Doc
     
    DocsCJ5, May 13, 2007
    #1
  2. May 13, 2007
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,125
    Bus bars arn't really common practice in vehicles but theres no reason you can't do it. If it were me doing itI'd revert to my telecom background & make one out of copper stock bar, about 1"w x 1/4" thick & 6-8" long, drill & tap with lottsa holes for the your preferred choice of fasteners. Screw it to couple of blocks of HMW plastic that have counter sunk bolts for mounting to the sheet metal. If you want to get really blingy have the bar tin coated, it'll be Beee-You-Tee-Full :)

    Actually, after all that typing, now that I think about it IIRC you can get these pre-made from boating supply places :oops:

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, May 13, 2007
    #2
  3. May 13, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    I'd be reluctant to have a lot of exposed metal that's not at ground potential. Too much danger of accidentally bridging the buss to ground.

    I'd suggest you daisy chain a 10 ga (or so) wire to your relays, and add a fusible link or circuit breaker at where you branch off. Put all your relays in a plastic box on the fender and have only wires going in or out.
     
    timgr, May 13, 2007
    #3
  4. May 13, 2007
    jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Oklahoma City, USA
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    May 18, 2006
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    I'm going to use something similar on my firewall. Go into you local custom car stereo shop. They sell brass screw down distribution blocks that hold glass fuses and are weather proofed (ground proofed) in a clear plastic housing. They make them to accept wire sizes from 12ga all the way up to 1/0.
     
    jayhawkclint, May 13, 2007
    #4
  5. May 14, 2007
    LostDawg

    LostDawg Slowly rusting in the NW

    Longview, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2006
    Messages:
    300
    Another option is RV supplies, buss-bars are common.
     
    LostDawg, May 14, 2007
    #5
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