Voltage limiter aftermarket gauges

[goldeye408]

I am replacing the original non-rallye gauge cluster on my 73 barracuda with a Classic Industries cluster and also replacing the entire wiring harness using an AAW kit.
The original stock cluster uses a stock voltage limiter. Both the Classic kit and the AAW kit make no mention of requiring a voltage limiter for the fuel and temp gauges.
I will replace the temp sending unit with the one supplied in the Classic kit, but plan on using the existing stock fuel sending unit.
My question is: Was the original voltage limiter in the system to protect the fuel sending unit or the fuel gauge? Do I need to limit the voltage to the sending unit?

 

[Challenger RTA]

The voltage limiter reduces the voltage to 5v. If there are no provisions or instructions to install the voltage limiter. I would say it's not needed. If all else fails read the instructions or contact the retailer or manufacture. Some one here has probably done this. They might let you know.

 

[Deathproofcuda]

Voltage limiter was there to protect the wiring inside the gauges.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Fuel tank sending unit is 10-73 ohms. Don't know gauge of wire. Amps or watts are result of the conditions. They make heat.
Here is the math.
Using Ohm's Law (I = V/R),

Normal conditions. 5V
.
Applying 5 volts across a 10-ohm resistor results in a current of 0.5 amperes (or 500 milliamperes).
The power dissipated by the resistor is 2.5 watts.

At 5 volts applied to a 73-ohm resistance, the resulting current is approximately 0.0685 amps (or 68.5 milliamps), and the power dissipated is approximately 0.342 watts


Over voltage conditions. This would be a problem. It would self destruct.

Applying 12 volts across a 73 ohm resistor results in a current reading of approximately 0.164 amperes (or 164 milliamperes).

Applying 12V to a 10-ohm resistor results in a current of 1.2A and a power dissipation of 14.4W.

The replacement gauges might or should have internal resistances. The other sending units should match the conditions that their being used.

That's why I say consult the instructions or manufacture. I know nothing of the set up you using.

Bottom line, I think you have to use the correct sending units per gauge.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Here is a simple explanation of the above. Easy to understand.

Wasted power is pretty much heat. Unless it a heater. There is still a loss.


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