12v aux outlets question
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12v aux outlets question
ok so im about to plug in my 2 12v outlets i bought to hide the wires from the gps and radar.
i bought a add-a-fuse, i will plug that into the fuse box. and i guess im just gonna plug both of the outlets into the add-a-fuse then ground the other wire.
so i have a few questions
1. how many amps should the fuse be that i put in.
2. what gauge wire should i use from the outlets to the add-a-fuse.
3. what gauge wire should i use for the ground.
4. i want to make it so the outlets will oly have power when the truck is on so where should i put the add-a-fuse in on the box.
5. is there anything else i need or should know before i start.
ps i know nothing about this so explain yourself please!
thank you!
i bought a add-a-fuse, i will plug that into the fuse box. and i guess im just gonna plug both of the outlets into the add-a-fuse then ground the other wire.
so i have a few questions
1. how many amps should the fuse be that i put in.
2. what gauge wire should i use from the outlets to the add-a-fuse.
3. what gauge wire should i use for the ground.
4. i want to make it so the outlets will oly have power when the truck is on so where should i put the add-a-fuse in on the box.
5. is there anything else i need or should know before i start.
ps i know nothing about this so explain yourself please!
thank you!
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
options / items to think abotu first.
Might want to think if you are adding more things to the system then these 2 items, if so an additional fuse panel might be in order.
Another option if you know it is only these 2 items, is to get a direct wire harness from the manufacture, if available. This would save you the trouble of locating the DC power sockets somewhere under the dash.
2 things to think of, that are not that much harder to do, and could save you some trouble down the road.
The additional fuse panel can be used with the direct wire interfaces, or the DC power sockets you have. Nice ones :
http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml
http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap130.shtml
Really nice one ( I ordered this to replace one of my Centech, due to space, and can be key on, or continuously depending on where you put the fuse, and no separate relay harness / fuse panel. This is an integrated unit. ):
http://www.fuzeblocks.com/
Just some things to think about.
Another option if you know it is only these 2 items, is to get a direct wire harness from the manufacture, if available. This would save you the trouble of locating the DC power sockets somewhere under the dash.
2 things to think of, that are not that much harder to do, and could save you some trouble down the road.
The additional fuse panel can be used with the direct wire interfaces, or the DC power sockets you have. Nice ones :
http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml
http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap130.shtml
Really nice one ( I ordered this to replace one of my Centech, due to space, and can be key on, or continuously depending on where you put the fuse, and no separate relay harness / fuse panel. This is an integrated unit. ):
http://www.fuzeblocks.com/
Just some things to think about.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
Just something to keep in mind, the DC power sockets, you need to make sure you keep the center pin in the socket as positive. This is how must device need power, and some don't work if you have them reversed.
1. The add a fuse, you will need to check your specific one, but these are limited to 10 A for the additional circuit. This should be more then enough for the items that you listed.
http://www.bussmann.com/6/BladeFusesandAccessories.html
2. The size of the wire for 10 A max, 16 AWG should do the trick, in either automotive 105* C rated wire, or 90* C rated wire from Home Depot and the likes. AutoZone has 16 AWG trailer wire in bonded 3 and bonded 4 ( 3 or 4 wires formed together ). This is in per ft lengths off a spool. Buy the length required, and peel off the un-needed wires. If it is 14 AWG, that is also fine.
3. Use the same size wire from the DC power socket to the ground point. There is a ground lug just to the lower right hand corner of the '04+ MY trucks. On the 99-03 MY trucks, it is down by the parking brake I do believe, look before getting the wire, this might be a longer length of wire. You do not have your profile completed, so I don't know what MY truck this is for.
4. With the Add a Fuse at 10 A max, use the radio fuse. Make sure you put the add a fuse in the correct direction, or you will be using the radio fuse before the added one. ( ignore the AMPS, this was a different thread ):
1. The add a fuse, you will need to check your specific one, but these are limited to 10 A for the additional circuit. This should be more then enough for the items that you listed.
http://www.bussmann.com/6/BladeFusesandAccessories.html
2. The size of the wire for 10 A max, 16 AWG should do the trick, in either automotive 105* C rated wire, or 90* C rated wire from Home Depot and the likes. AutoZone has 16 AWG trailer wire in bonded 3 and bonded 4 ( 3 or 4 wires formed together ). This is in per ft lengths off a spool. Buy the length required, and peel off the un-needed wires. If it is 14 AWG, that is also fine.
3. Use the same size wire from the DC power socket to the ground point. There is a ground lug just to the lower right hand corner of the '04+ MY trucks. On the 99-03 MY trucks, it is down by the parking brake I do believe, look before getting the wire, this might be a longer length of wire. You do not have your profile completed, so I don't know what MY truck this is for.
4. With the Add a Fuse at 10 A max, use the radio fuse. Make sure you put the add a fuse in the correct direction, or you will be using the radio fuse before the added one. ( ignore the AMPS, this was a different thread ):
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thanks everyone!
ok i got one more question though. i looked at my add a fuse and it has 2 slots for 2 fuses, like this one - http://www.bussmann.com/images/3c2dc...86ccd13aad.JPG - so should i put one 10amp fuse or two 5amp fuses or what?
ok i got one more question though. i looked at my add a fuse and it has 2 slots for 2 fuses, like this one - http://www.bussmann.com/images/3c2dc...86ccd13aad.JPG - so should i put one 10amp fuse or two 5amp fuses or what?
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ok i just had a complete change of heart/plan/idea so this is what i want to do, i just bought 6 switches that i will be setting up in the ash tray place since i dont smoke. to driving lights, reverse lights, etc. so i want to hook the 12v outlets to one of the switches. so if im correct i should just get a relay connect the + to the relay then to the battery with a fuse holder on the way there, connect the ground and connect the relay ground, then connect the relay to the switch. connect the switch to the battery with a low 3-5amp fuse, ground the switch. i think that is correct, and ill just switch it on when i need it. tell me if i am wrong. and i do like the idea of adding a fuse box for my future mods.
a few more things, in the fuse holder i should put a 10amp fuse, correct?
ill use 14 gauge wire, sounds good?
and what relay should i use, a link would be helpful
a few more things, in the fuse holder i should put a 10amp fuse, correct?
ill use 14 gauge wire, sounds good?
and what relay should i use, a link would be helpful
Last edited by Random.Her0; Dec 20, 2008 at 01:32 PM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
ok i just had a complete change of heart/plan/idea so this is what i want to do, i just bought 6 switches that i will be setting up in the ash tray place since i dont smoke. to driving lights, reverse lights, etc. so i want to hook the 12v outlets to one of the switches. so if im correct i should just get a relay connect the + to the relay then to the battery with a fuse holder on the way there, connect the ground and connect the relay ground, then connect the relay to the switch. connect the switch to the battery with a low 3-5amp fuse, ground the switch. i think that is correct, and ill just switch it on when i need it. tell me if i am wrong. and i do like the idea of adding a fuse box for my future mods.
a few more things, in the fuse holder i should put a 10amp fuse, correct?
ill use 14 gauge wire, sounds good?
and what relay should i use, a link would be helpful
a few more things, in the fuse holder i should put a 10amp fuse, correct?
ill use 14 gauge wire, sounds good?
and what relay should i use, a link would be helpful
please list the items your are posting about in a list, rather than a single run on sentence.
2nd: Did you check the specifications on the add a fuse you got ? The manufacture would have the max AMp rate, not my guess to if you got the bussman or not.
3rd : did you look at any of the links above ?
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1. Sorry i don't like making complete sentences.
2. I have the Bussman 10amp.
3. Yes.
Now to Clarify,
I plan on doing something very similar to this. - http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-...ive-wiring.htm - but instead of lights I will connect the 12v outlets i bought. I bought 6 toggle switches from ebay, for aux. lights and such. In the previous post i was just saying how i would like to connect the outlets i bought to the toggle switch so that it will turn on my outlets.
Items-
Relay
Toggle Switch
5amp fuse for switch
10amp fuse for the relay
I decided to go with 10 gauge wire for everything
I hope I make sense now
2. I have the Bussman 10amp.
3. Yes.
Now to Clarify,
I plan on doing something very similar to this. - http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-...ive-wiring.htm - but instead of lights I will connect the 12v outlets i bought. I bought 6 toggle switches from ebay, for aux. lights and such. In the previous post i was just saying how i would like to connect the outlets i bought to the toggle switch so that it will turn on my outlets.
Items-
Relay
Toggle Switch
5amp fuse for switch
10amp fuse for the relay
I decided to go with 10 gauge wire for everything
I hope I make sense now
Last edited by Random.Her0; Dec 21, 2008 at 01:00 AM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
That post to the thread helps a bit. You might not like making sentences, but it does help in having others understand you.
If you are using the add a fuse in the radio slot ( again can't stress this enough, make sure it is installed the correct direction, as shown above ), the switch is just a way of turning it on and off, with the key in the on or accessory position.
Depending on the switch you got, you might not need the relay for the DC power outlets. The max load for everything is 10 A total ( with the specifications on the add a fuse you have ), and each switch is rated at 10 A, then running the add a fuse though the switch to the DC power outlet would do the truck, again depending on what the rating of the switch is.
You make note in post #5 about driving lamps, and reverse lamps. Are you still doing this ?
10 AWG wire for a 10 A add a fuse is way too big, and you would not be able to get that size wire in the crimp head on the add a fuse. Don't waste the money on 10 AWG wire for a 10A circuit, 16 AWG is more then enough, again for the DC outlets and the switches to control them, or later a coil on a relay.
10 AWG would be for a winch or the likes with that heavy of a draw.
In the distance you are talking about, 10 AWG is good for 30 A of load, on any length you would use on a truck ( unless you are running front to rear, back to the front a few times, before terminating it at the load ).
Stick with something that will fit in the add a fuse crimp connector, like a 16 AWG wire. If they stick with the standard color codes for the crimp connector, the blue one should take up to a 14 AWG wire max. Yellow is for 12 AWG.
10 AWG, you are looking at needing a high press fitting, or set screw connectors.
The question on the list was for what you plan to put on the truck, or setup to install.
If you are using the add a fuse in the radio slot ( again can't stress this enough, make sure it is installed the correct direction, as shown above ), the switch is just a way of turning it on and off, with the key in the on or accessory position.
Depending on the switch you got, you might not need the relay for the DC power outlets. The max load for everything is 10 A total ( with the specifications on the add a fuse you have ), and each switch is rated at 10 A, then running the add a fuse though the switch to the DC power outlet would do the truck, again depending on what the rating of the switch is.
You make note in post #5 about driving lamps, and reverse lamps. Are you still doing this ?
10 AWG wire for a 10 A add a fuse is way too big, and you would not be able to get that size wire in the crimp head on the add a fuse. Don't waste the money on 10 AWG wire for a 10A circuit, 16 AWG is more then enough, again for the DC outlets and the switches to control them, or later a coil on a relay.
10 AWG would be for a winch or the likes with that heavy of a draw.
In the distance you are talking about, 10 AWG is good for 30 A of load, on any length you would use on a truck ( unless you are running front to rear, back to the front a few times, before terminating it at the load ).
Stick with something that will fit in the add a fuse crimp connector, like a 16 AWG wire. If they stick with the standard color codes for the crimp connector, the blue one should take up to a 14 AWG wire max. Yellow is for 12 AWG.
10 AWG, you are looking at needing a high press fitting, or set screw connectors.
The question on the list was for what you plan to put on the truck, or setup to install.
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I dont want to connect these outlets to the fuse box anymore, i would like to connect them to a toggle switch.
Ok so you are saying that i might not even have to use a relay since the amps or so minor?
and btw i am doing the extra lights and reverse lights later on in time.
So to make things easier in the future im gonna set up an extra fuse box somewhere near the battery. i bought this fuse block http://www.nationalfleetparts.com/Im...600-xx-lrg.jpg
Now what would really help me is a diagram of the way you are saying by avoiding using a relay.
(edit) - is this basically what you mean, except substitute the outlets where the lights are.
I bought these switches http://cgi.ebay.com/12V-Red-LED-Togg...3%3A1|294%3A50
Thanks! sorry i know nothing
Ok so you are saying that i might not even have to use a relay since the amps or so minor?
and btw i am doing the extra lights and reverse lights later on in time.
So to make things easier in the future im gonna set up an extra fuse box somewhere near the battery. i bought this fuse block http://www.nationalfleetparts.com/Im...600-xx-lrg.jpg
Now what would really help me is a diagram of the way you are saying by avoiding using a relay.
(edit) - is this basically what you mean, except substitute the outlets where the lights are.
I bought these switches http://cgi.ebay.com/12V-Red-LED-Togg...3%3A1|294%3A50
Thanks! sorry i know nothing
Last edited by Random.Her0; Dec 21, 2008 at 05:34 PM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
That is what I was getting at, with that low of an AMP load, a relay might not be needed.
The auction listing does not give any info on the switches, you will need to read the max AMP on the side of the switch, to know if you can install them like the drawing above. If the max AMPS are at least 10 on the switches, no need for the relay.
Here is an example of what I was talking about
The auction listing does not give any info on the switches, you will need to read the max AMP on the side of the switch, to know if you can install them like the drawing above. If the max AMPS are at least 10 on the switches, no need for the relay.
Here is an example of what I was talking about
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Ok thank you very much for that Diagram! 
Now i kinda wanna change what my first idea was, I don't want to only be able to use the outlets when the truck is on. I would rather just be able to use them whenever i turn on the switch. So tell me if this would work, I modified your diagram:
One more thing tho. If I only have one item connected to the 6 available switches, can i wire all the switches to the fuse box by using 1 fuse with enough amps or would i have to wire each switch individually as i add accessories. Like this:
BTW: the switches have to be grounded because of the LED on them
Now i kinda wanna change what my first idea was, I don't want to only be able to use the outlets when the truck is on. I would rather just be able to use them whenever i turn on the switch. So tell me if this would work, I modified your diagram:
One more thing tho. If I only have one item connected to the 6 available switches, can i wire all the switches to the fuse box by using 1 fuse with enough amps or would i have to wire each switch individually as i add accessories. Like this:
BTW: the switches have to be grounded because of the LED on them
Last edited by Random.Her0; Dec 21, 2008 at 07:44 PM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
The first diagram would do the job, keep in mind you can leave the devices turned on, with the truck off, and kill the battery ( aux lamps, and reverse lamps ).
BTW : The 2nd drawing is incorrect, an illuminated SPST switch is a different symbol, not the one in use. Just so others looking at it do not get confused.
BTW : The 2nd drawing is incorrect, an illuminated SPST switch is a different symbol, not the one in use. Just so others looking at it do not get confused.
Last edited by SSCULLY; Dec 21, 2008 at 08:04 PM.
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ok! sweet i think i'm finally getting this.
I got 2 more questions on my mind.. What amp fuse should i use from the switch to the fuse panel? 10amp?
And if i connect all the switches to one cable going to the fuse panel i should keep adding more amps to the fuse with the more accessories in use. correct?
I got 2 more questions on my mind.. What amp fuse should i use from the switch to the fuse panel? 10amp?
And if i connect all the switches to one cable going to the fuse panel i should keep adding more amps to the fuse with the more accessories in use. correct?
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10 A fuse for the drawing above, again if the switches can handle 10 A.
The max A fuse from the switches in that drawing to the fuse panel, is going to be for the item with the lowest A rating.
If the switches are 10 A each, that is the largest fuse you can use with the 1st drawing.
If you install it similar to your 2nd drawing, then you could put 10 A to each switch, again if the witch is made for 10 A each.
The max A fuse from the switches in that drawing to the fuse panel, is going to be for the item with the lowest A rating.
If the switches are 10 A each, that is the largest fuse you can use with the 1st drawing.
If you install it similar to your 2nd drawing, then you could put 10 A to each switch, again if the witch is made for 10 A each.
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OK so what your saying is if i use the 1st drawing where i connect all the switch to the fuse panel using one cable i can use one 10amp fuse for all the switches. (if the switches are 10amp)
and if i use the second drawing i would have to use a 10amp switch for each switch since i split them up on the fuse panel (if the switches are 10amp)
diagram would help if you don't mind
and if i use the second drawing i would have to use a 10amp switch for each switch since i split them up on the fuse panel (if the switches are 10amp)
diagram would help if you don't mind