Jake Brake Amperage

Lin · February 18, 2010, 06:24:38 PM

I spent the day getting in Don's way while he prepares to put my engine and new Allison back in the bus. I am doing some of the wiring for the Jake. We are setting it up as a two stage system. Does anyone know what amperage the Jakes draw? I need to know for sizing the fuse, the switch, and a diode. I was told that #12 wire was adequate.

DaveG · February 18, 2010, 06:50:40 PM

that's plenty.

hargreaves · February 18, 2010, 07:19:42 PM

12 volt 14 ga is all you need 24 volt even smaller

Lin · February 18, 2010, 08:52:33 PM

So, is that to say that I should fuse it for 15 amps and a 15 amp switch and diode would work? Can the fuse be as high as 20 amp? Is it enough to fuse the power, or should the line to each bank be separately fused? Thanks

bevans6 · February 19, 2010, 05:28:53 AM

Factory wiring is 16 gauge for both banks, with 24 volts. 6 amp fuse. with 12 volts, 14 gauge and a 15 amp fuse. If you use a 20 amp fuse make sure all the wiring is 12 gauge, including to the buffer switch. There is no need to use a 20 amp fuse, though.

Brian

DaveG · February 19, 2010, 06:09:43 AM

Quote from: Lin on February 18, 2010, 08:52:33 PM
So, is that to say that I should fuse it for 15 amps and a 15 amp switch and diode would work? Can the fuse be as high as 20 amp? Is it enough to fuse the power, or should the line to each bank be separately fused? Thanks

Generally just fuse the power/supply to the switch and that is good enough.

luvrbus · February 19, 2010, 06:25:05 AM

Lin, to me a 2 stage brake on a 8v71 is a waste of good wire you get about the same affect if you hold your hand out the window going down the hills out here in the west .
Don should like that comment lol

good luck

bevans6 · February 19, 2010, 06:50:22 AM

"Lin, to me a 2 stage brake on a 8v71 is a waste of good wire you get about the same affect if you hold your hand out the window going down the hills out here in the west .
Don should like that comment lol "

I resemble that remark! I have verified that my 8V71 jakes work, by the book test - switch on, idle the engine, snap the speed lever open and shut, and hear the jakes rattle, the engine almost stalls, the test light on the buffer switch lights up. But I really can't tell the difference between on and off at say 55 mph in 4th gear. 20 mph in second, yes...I think!

Brian

Lin · February 19, 2010, 08:13:03 AM

Clifford,

I believe you are right that Don will love that remark. He says the way he sets them up, they will have me going backwards up the Grapevine.