The wire size called out by the Rotax manual for 'current-carrying'
regulator connections is 2.5mm2; which is somewhere between 12g (3.35mm2)
and 14g (2.08mm2).
Duncan McF.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Holder" <rholder@avnet.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Rotax Regulator Wiring
>
> > I am no expert on this but perhaps I can explain how I see it. As far as
I
> > can tell the two alternator yellow leads produce AC which is rectified
by
> > the regulator before going through the rest of the regulator circuitry.
As
> > all the AC power produced by the yellow alternator wires enters the
> > regulator then its DC output can be seen as though the regulator and
> > alternator combined are a DC generator. As such this 'generator' has to
have
> > a return back to the regulator case capable of handling it maximum
output.
> > With that in mind the use of 10 gauge cable as a minimum size is
probably a
> > wise precaution. Certainly if I had 20gauge cable I would look at
upgrading
> > to 10gauge just for piece of mind (new regulators are not cheap).
>
> I had assumed that the earth from the regulator (I see now that it is
called
> a rectifier-regulator) was just something to provide an earth reference.
> Mine is just 22 AWG. Nothing, anywhere, shows that it needs a large cable
to
> complete the circuit.
>
> I will be changing it very very soon to 10 AWG (12 would be OK - will take
> 24 amps)
>
> It might explain the somewhat inconsistent readings on my oil pressure and
> oil and water temperature gauges. My 22 AWG is acting as a resistor when
> carrying 10 amps or more.
>
> I suppose the rectifier-regulator is really designed for bolting to the
> chassis of a metal aircraft/motor bike. For our purposes it should have a
> proper faston tag for the earth, just like all the other connections. Ring
> connectors are more subject to corrosion.
>
> Richard - still learning !
>
> As a matter of interest I am looking for a co-owner for G-OWWW, Someone
with
> a mechanical bent/interest/knowledge of Europas. A deal could be
negotiated.
> Someone who lives in East Herts or West Essex would be best. If anyone is
> interested, or knows anyone who might be interested, please contact me
> initially on this email address, off list.
>
> rholder@avnet.co.uk
>
> Richard Holder
>
>
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