Wire size on generator

ruschman · May 15, 2020

What would be the proper wire size for the connection between the generator and the cutout in a 6 volt system? This is on an H.
Thanks, Alan

John T · May 15, 2020

Regardless what JD used originally, I wouldn't use any less then 12 Gauge fine stranded and insulated copper. Bigger wire = less line
voltage drop and fine stranded copper has better flexibility. Sorry, I don't have those genny specs, but don't believe it would ever pump out
over 20 amps (perhaps 10+ typical ???). If a person wanted to be even safer and more conservative and err on the too big versus too small
wire size, I'd even use 10 Gauge fine stranded insulated copper.

John T

ruschman · May 15, 2020

Thank you John. I also don't know what was original, but couldn't decide between 10 and 12. I'll go 12. Alan

John T · May 15, 2020

That will do just fine

John T

dan_41jdh · May 16, 2020

Pretty close, John T. The "H" generator was rated 11-13 amps output, cold. And according to the late Pat Browning, the wire sizes should be: armature terminal to cutout relay - 10 GA; field terminal to light switch resistor - 14 GA; cutout relay to ammeter - 10 GA; ammeter to starting motor (or battery) - 10 GA; ammeter to light switch with in-line 20A fuse - 12 GA; light switch to lights - 12 GA but each spliced-in segment to an individual light (2 front and 1 rear) is 14 GA.

John T · May 16, 2020

Thanks Dan, love it when someone posts actual data yayyyyyyyyyyyy I WONDER is that what Deere originally used ??? or Pats (may he RIP) recommendations?? If hes like me as I best recall, hey Id use bigger then Deere used or bigger then necessary to be on the safe conservative side and reduce line voltage drop...

Hey I have no problem using 10 Gauge wire (see my post) even if 12 may get you by. Its typically rated for 20 or more amps so a genny that can only produce 13 amps shouldn't be a problem (that ONLY concerns BAT on Relay up to ammeter IE gennys output). I like 10 Gauge from battery to ammeter as that carries ALLLLLLLLLL the current NOT ONLY the possibly gennys mere 13 amps.

SURE bigger wire is better to reduce line voltage drop I AGREE 100%.. I actually LIKE Pats recommendations even if bigger then Mother Deere used originally !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish we could meet up again at a show, get down to Florida next winter !!!!!!!!!

John T

dan_41jdh · May 16, 2020

John, those wire gauges are what Pat described in his "Restoration Guide". I don't know his source for that info. It's possible that he acquired it from someone like Jim Guarino at Agri-Services or John Brillman at the Brillman Company - or, he may have dissected old harnesses, but he did list gauges as well as lengths of each wire in his book.

I heard that Deere will the feature at Flywheelers next winter, so I may try to get down there again. Last time, I nearly froze to death and was glad to get back up north to warm up!

John T · May 16, 2020

Ive been going there on and off for like 20 years, MOST Feb shows are warm but a few are COLD, pot luck. Deere usually puts on the best show the times they are featured. NOTE Flywheelers is NOT like JD Expo you don't see the absolute most beautiful best restored units in the world, it is what it is, no more no less, but for me and many its a big fun family reunion I wouldn't miss it had same spot for years now. A golf cart is a must unless yore prepared to walk like 10 miles lol Let me know if youre coming

John T

Wire size on generator

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