Author Topic: how many amps?  (Read 5637 times)

Offline miniminor63

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how many amps?
« on: September 07, 2007, 09:27:05 am »
Hi

How many amps would this draw?

-Driving lights (1963 lights, pre halogen)
-inj. fuel pump
-electric waterpump
-electric fan
-VEMS incl ign and 4 injectors

Thanks in advance!

Offline rob@vems.co.uk

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2007, 12:04:32 pm »
We need to know resistances of the pumps, fans and injectors.

Offline miniminor63

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2007, 12:13:17 pm »
sorry to say I do not know as I do not have all the items yet. The injectors are high impedance lucas items, waterpump will be a small meziere item, fan will be a small spal one, and fuel pump will be an in tank item from a mondeo. I am just after a ballpark number to see if the alternator I have a lead on is big enough.

Offline dnb

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2007, 12:21:13 pm »
I'd guess at 30 to 35A based on the following WAGs:  10 for the lights, 5 for the fuel pump and water pump, 10A for the fan, and 2A for the VEMS & stuff.

Offline cliffb75

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2007, 01:00:53 pm »
Don't forget there is also a difference between the peak current required per item (for sizing wiring, fuses etc), the nominal continuous current per item, and the alternator requirement, which generally assumes you don't have everything on at the same time, e.g you generally don't have all the lights on at the same time as the fan.

Offline dnb

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2007, 02:37:54 pm »
which generally assumes you don't have everything on at the same time, e.g you generally don't have all the lights on at the same time as the fan.

I suspect you've never driven a TVR... ;)

Offline miniminor63

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2007, 02:42:59 pm »
the thing is, I normally only drive with the sidelights on, (around 20W total) and the fan will be on only when its getting really hot (not normally).

The alternator I have in mind put out around 216 W @ 12V. (18 amps) so its going to be marginal, but as the car is never used in rain or in darkness, I hope (and think) it will be alright....what do you reckon? (and yes I know it will be very marginal)!

Its a racer that will mainly be used for fun (trackdays and the like) and no commuting.

Offline cliffb75

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #7 on: September 07, 2007, 10:28:57 pm »
which generally assumes you don't have everything on at the same time, e.g you generally don't have all the lights on at the same time as the fan.

I suspect you've never driven a TVR... ;)

Damn you've caught me out......

Well actually I did have a go in a t350, but it was daytime. I suspect the lights wouldn't have worked anyway ::)

Offline dnb

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Re: how many amps?
« Reply #8 on: September 07, 2007, 11:37:15 pm »
The lights are good on my friend's T350.  It's a shame the radiator leaks like a sieve... 
I have to say the newer TVRs (T350, Sagaris etc) are vastly different to the older ones.