how many amps ??

[draper]

how many amps do the basic nova (or any other automotive circuit) circuit draw ?? im only really concerned about interior lights, headlights alarms etc, not starter motors and stuff

[Mike]

Turn on all the cicruits you are concenered about, get an Ammeter and you can actually test the output/input from the alternator when the engine is running.

Example, if a vehicle uses a 70a peak output alternator, you'll find that with the engine running AND every last single circuit in use, it'll be using in the region of 55 to 65a.

[Stuart]

alternator output isnt directly related to the power consumption of the car though....

You need to have a direct feed to the starter motor and then run the feed to the rest of the car via an ammeter (capable of something like 40Amps would be a start) and measure that.

Think of it roughly though.
2* 50W headlights at 12V = 8A (thats not peak switch on current though)
brakes/other lights like that probalby make 10-20A together.

and alarm shouldnt pull much but it should be in the spec of it.