- AMPERAGE
DRAW
- Do
you know how to find out the amperage draw of a component?
- 1. First measure
the resistance with an ohm-meter.
2. Then go measure your battery voltage (preferably with motor running if
using an alternator).
- 3. Divide the battery
voltage by the resistance and there's your amperage draw! It's that simple!
Example:
A typical transbrake solenoid draws 1.4 ohms resistance. 12 volts divided
by 1.4 ohms = 8.57 amps! Now check this out... 16 volts divided by the same
1.4 ohms = 11.4 amps! You
should up your wire sizes and fuse sizes when using 16 volt batteries!!!
- The
formula is one of three "Ohm's Law": V/R=I
(the other's are V/I=R & IxR=V) and this simple check will help you
decide what size fuse and what gauge wire should be used when wiring your
race car.
-
- NOTE:
This test does not work on electric motors such as fuel pumps, fans, and
water pumps.
- VOLTAGE
DROP
Did you know an 18 gauge
coil cord will drop 1.2 volts to an 8 amp transbake solenoid? Our 14
gauge coil cord only drops 0.4 volts to the same solenoid. Can you
afford losing a race because your transbrake wouldn't set?