[Mobile-Portable] RE: Wire Size

[Paul B. Peters]

I just completed a multi-radio install in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I work in
the emergency service field and do lots of this work professionally. 

Typical wire size for a state of the art (in vehicle) 12v electrical
distribution systems is #6.  My install is the same as I use for all my
emergency service vehicles. I use a 12 position (12v) blade fuse
distribution panel made by Blue Sea in Bellingham, WA -- very nice products
indeed. The feeder to the panel is #6 wire and the system ground is sourced
off the body panel ground position to the left of the battery -- not the
battery negative post.  

Between the distribution panel and battery I installed a 60 amp breaker so I
can manually disconnect the system for maintenance. All really simple parts
but they make a very nice install. I have three radios -- a Kenwood TK-780
for commercial service, an ICOM IC-2800 for 2m and a Kenwood TS-480 for HF
work. The HF radio drives a High Sierra Screwdriver antenna.  All the radios
are mounted on a custom built bracket system that is secured to the front
mounting bolts of the passenger side. The 12v fuse panel is mounted under
the passenger seat. All the grounds are run to a 3/8" dedicated ground stud
on the same board as the fuse panel. 

In addition, the hood has grounding straps added on both sides to eliminate
alternator whine in the receive audio and the exhaust pipe also has a ground
strap near the tip. 

In the next week or so I will post photos of this install on my website so
others can see how the work is done in most emergency service vehicles. I
will post a note here to advise once the photos and webpage have been
loaded.

Paul, VE7BZ