12v power for fp gauge

[Walker]

Where's the best place to tap into to power the Westach fp gauge installed in the cubby hole. I figure I need an ACC. only wire, and guess it should be fused (enough amps for both the gauge and which ever one I tap into).

 

[illflem]

Cigarette lighter positive is close and easy to find.

 

[Walker]

I'm going to (possibly) use the lighter as a hidden kill switch, so I can't use it. I've got the wire from the gauge running into the engine bay right now. Is there a place in the PDC that I could hook up to and be ACC. and fused? Or perhaps under the steering column somewhere (tons of wires). ???

 

[Snow man]

Cigarrette wires,are easy but not a safe source,unless you fuse it right at the tap point,the cig fuse is like 20 amps,the wires for the light will catch fire with less than 20 amps,in the event of a dead shortso if you use this source ,you should have a 3-5 amp fuse installed iat the tap point in case that wire ever gets shorted,or rubs thru to another wire,you wont have a fire on your hands.

 

[illflem]

If you are going to use the lighter for a kill switch then you don't need the wire anymore right? Snowman is right about the fuse though. My older rigs have two lighter outlets, one for the lighter and another for whatever else you want to power, good place to tap positive. Is this another feature that DC has eliminated on newer rigs?

 

[Walker]

If I do end up using the lighter as a kill switch, I'll be splicing it into either the starter or clutch as an interrupt. This will make the lighter basically powerless until it is pushed in while starting and/or with the clutch pushed down only; and non-functional at all other times. This won't work for the constant power (while running) that the gauge needs.



I've said it before; I'm electrically challenged so this theory may be b. s. , but this is how I thought it would work. So, I'd still like another good option for acc. /fused power. But, if I don't use the lighter for security, do I simply splice into the power wire and put the 3-5amp fuse inline to the gauge?



Any ideas on going to the PDC or another accessory?



..... and the newer models still have a "power outlet" option. It's hot all the time though.