BCM Community

Hi,

Does anyone know what gauge cable runs from the Delco 50DN alternator to the starter batteries in my MCI MC9?  Is it large enough to handle the continuous, full output of the 50DN safely?

The reason I ask: I bought one of these ( http://sterling-power-usa.com/waterproofalternatorregulatorip67100aupwards.aspx (http://sterling-power-usa.com/waterproofalternatorregulatorip67100aupwards.aspx)) to keep my house battery bank (six - 8D AGM's) charged properly when the engine is running. I have a solenoid that bridges my start batts and house batts. Since it is possible that the load on that cable could approach the capacity of the alternator, I want to be sure that the cable carrying that current can handle the load?

Thanks in advance.

There are charts online that will tell you what amperage a cable is rated for given a particular length-- like this one http://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437. (http://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437.)

If you bus is stock it has a 1/0 cable from the alternator to the engine bay stud, 4/0 from the stud to the starter motor and 4/0 from the stud to the disconnect switch and 4/0 in the battery compartment.  There is a 1/0 cable from the disconnect switch to the AC bay junction box and a 1/0 cable up to the driver's side junction box bus bar.

Brian