One of my police buddies has a question about the new high output (180 amp) alternator he put on his (please forgive him) Jeep. He was advised by other Jeep guys to install an inline fuse of about 200 amps. However, the alternator manufacturer advises against the inline fuse. He went to the new alternator because he wants to put a winch and lights on his vehicle. I told him that I could not think af any reason for NOT putting in the inline fuse. Anyone out there have any suggestions or recommendations (other than trading that POS Jeep for a HUMMER)?
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Joined: 8/30/2006
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I don't see any reason that a fuse would do harm. A fuse is for protection. I'm pretty sure the Hummers have fusible link inline. The only thing I can think of is the connection causing problems with heat. All of that amperage causes heat and a simple butt connector may not hold up. You would definitely want a connection that is soldered or butt connected and soldered too, then heat shrink tubing to protect from the elements. I hope this helps.
I would advise of a 12Volt Breaker instead of a Fuse. For a Winch, a breaker can hold a surge a little better than a fuse. I would also suggest segmenting the lights off a power distribution block with fuses.
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Jeep High Output Alternators - 
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