[vettestr]

What is the gauge showing the charge or discharge rate is? I ask out of curiosity as the wire and gauge should not be hot if 10 or 60 amps are displayed but a 60 amp discharge may be a clue to a major discharge or load downstream.

With the key on but engine not running the gauge display should be about zero. Check to see if wire heats up with key in on position but not running. Note display and if anything is running or not running that should be. Removing a fuse from items like fuel pump should stop remove discharge showing on the gauge.