General Wiring Question

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If planning to add several features (off road lights,etc..... ) that operate with relays, how are you all "cleanly" getting ignition power to provide power to trip the relay? I don't want to keep cutting into a cigar lighter power wire. I'd like to set up some kind of block from which I can keep tapping power from..... I plan to install an aux. fuse panel from which to draw the real power (to operate the lights, etc. ) from (similar to the Painless Wiring Box that Geno's sells - if not that exact one)

Thanks!

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'01 2500 SLT+, QC, LWB, 4X4, 3. 54s, AT, every option but running lights! To come: 19. 5"s (?), lift, Line-X, Exhaust brake, 4" turbo to tail, etc...

'98 DUCATI ST2 "Bombed" 944CC with Ducati Performance Carbon Fiber Exhaust, F. I. M. Chip, K&N and "modified" air box.

[This message has been edited by Scooby (edited 07-06-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Some may disagree, but I would not use any ignition switch sourced power for any high current or noise generating load (relays, radios Etc. ). The ignition switch is not high current rated, relays can generate low frequency noise, and radio transmitters should never be powered through switches (ham radio 101). Build an enclosure very near one of your batteries and run a heavy guage red wire to a terminal strip to feed your switches etc. Looks professional too!
Ron



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'99 QC SLT 4X4, Forest Green, long box, camper/trailer pkg, 3. 55 axles, auto, CD/cassette, power seat, heated mirrors, HD xfer case, Two meter Radioshack ham transceiver (license KC7MME),Proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy!
'98 Arctic Cat 300 4X4 ATV
'00 Honda Recon ATV
'99 Grand Cherokee
NRA Life member

 

[Archive]

Scooby,

I don't how much of this applies to the late model dash. I used my service manual to locate switched power and B+ power in the cable that goes to the steering column and spliced into them for low current power. Then I made a switch panel to replace the stock cup holder. From the switches I ran a multi-conductor cable thru the fire wall to a project box I got from Radio Shack. I mounted a fuse block and six 30 amp 12v Radio Shack relays in the box for my gadgets. I used multi-conductor connectors to the wires and cable to the switch panel so I can remove it easily if I need to. I ran high current B+ from the battery thru a circuit breaker to the fuse block in the project box to power the gadgets. This set up works well and looks clean.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

[This message has been edited by Joe G. (edited 07-06-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Joe,

Thanks for the reply. I am interested in what/how you spliced into the B+ under the steering column for the low current power. I'd like to have some kind of power block so that I don't have to keep splicing for low current stuff. Know what I mean? It's kind of analogous to the fuse block, but for low current.





[This message has been edited by Scooby (edited 07-07-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Scooby,

I use the cigar lighter wire to trigger a 30 amp relay. This relay feeds a block with six fuses. Whenever the key is in the run position I have six fused circuits that can trigger other relays.

 

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Scooby,

I just found the wires I needed, stripped and soldered a connection (I don't trust the crimp on). These wires (B+ and switched) are for the switches that control the relays. B+ for gadgets that will work regardless of key position and switched for stuff that works only with ACC or IGN switch positions. These circuits are only 10ma (trigger current for relay) so I didn't have to worry about overloading a fuse. If you have TDR issue 27 look on page 20 for a picture of my switch panel and the letter about it.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Archive]

Thanks guys. I'll check out issue 27 as you suggested. I just want to do it once... nice and neat. #ad