How many amps does a FS10 clutch need, and polarity?

[andrew vanis]

Want to make sure I wire enough capacity for the clutch.

Just got the pigtail for the FS10 compressor. The wire is 2.08mm which is 14AWG, that's like 12-14A. The last compressor used a really thin clutch activation wire like a 20?AWG

Also, research indicates the 2 wires one is + and one - (ground). The last compressor used just a + trigger wire. Please confirm that it needs both a + and -.

Also2, any polarity on the clutch wiring? I wouldn't think so on a clutch but a couple of the Ford discussion forums mentioned the side by the release tab should be +. Please comment.

Thanks,
Andy

[Tim]

Run it through a relay set-up with direct power from the battery. 20/30 amp fuse on the power lead.

[andrew vanis]

re: Tim relay comment, yes will run through relay and will use a smaller fuse

Tested the clutch with +12V to pink (closest to locking tab) because it is color-closer to red than the other wire which is gray, which is color-closer to black, which got the -V (gnd)

Draw was 4.5A

Over 5ft one-way length 5A calculates to 18AWG

Planning to run 14AWG and put a 5A fuse on it and see how it goes.

The 14AWG will handle up to 13A over 5ft so will upsize to a 10A fuse if needed.

20A over 5 ft would need 12AWG
30A over 5 ft would need 10AWG

[bohica2xo]

Or you could put the relay near the clutch, and run the relay coil with a 22 gauge wire...

.