Adding accessories to fuse box
#1192619
03/06/12 11:56 PM
03/06/12 11:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356 Kentucky
dfsmopars
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356
Kentucky
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How do you add accessories to an electrical system and wire them in other than sticking the end of the wire behind a barrel fuse? What items do you need to cleanly, safely and economically add on items needing power? For example: stereo, electric choke, electric fuel pump, 12v power sources and so forth.
‘72 Charger, 5.9 Magnum, Tremec 5 spd., Pro-Touring ‘14 Big Horn, Quad Cab, 4x4, 1500
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: Pool Fixer]
#1192622
03/07/12 08:03 AM
03/07/12 08:03 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356 Kentucky
dfsmopars
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,356
Kentucky
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Well I think you are dead on. That makes sense and is probably the best overall route.
Last edited by dfsmopars; 03/07/12 08:24 AM.
‘72 Charger, 5.9 Magnum, Tremec 5 spd., Pro-Touring ‘14 Big Horn, Quad Cab, 4x4, 1500
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: dfsmopars]
#1192623
03/07/12 11:23 PM
03/07/12 11:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344 Central TX
roe
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master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344
Central TX
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I was actually wondering something similar. I have added some aftermarket guages and stereo that draw power from the keyed 12v slot on the fuse box (female spade connector). Just last week I added a pair of electrical fans and dumped the mechanical, and it had to be hooked up to a keyed 12v source and the only one that I know of is the one that the other items are hooked to so I put it there. Now I've been thinking about it I dont like how much current is being drawn thru that one keyed 12v port when the fans kick on. Where else can I find another keyed source for 12 volts? Or what can I do to safely create a new keyed 12v port, or even upgrade my current one to be able to handle that kind of draw?
I havent had any issues but I have only run the car long enought to verify proper functioning of the fans going on and off at the proper preset temps. I dont want to burn my car up. Any suggestions?
Hope Im not hijacking
Thanks roe
Last edited by roe; 03/07/12 11:26 PM.
1971 Plymouth Satellite 408/904 8 3/4 3.23 SG
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: roe]
#1192625
03/08/12 02:23 AM
03/08/12 02:23 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,001 Coram, NY
Pool Fixer
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Posts: 3,001
Coram, NY
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Quote:
I was actually wondering something similar. I have added some aftermarket guages and stereo that draw power from the keyed 12v slot on the fuse box (female spade connector). Just last week I added a pair of electrical fans and dumped the mechanical, and it had to be hooked up to a keyed 12v source and the only one that I know of is the one that the other items are hooked to so I put it there. Now I've been thinking about it I dont like how much current is being drawn thru that one keyed 12v port when the fans kick on. Where else can I find another keyed source for 12 volts? Or what can I do to safely create a new keyed 12v port, or even upgrade my current one to be able to handle that kind of draw?
I havent had any issues but I have only run the car long enought to verify proper functioning of the fans going on and off at the proper preset temps. I dont want to burn my car up. Any suggestions?
Hope Im not hijacking
Thanks roe
Ideally, fans should not be switched only, they should be triggered by a temp sensor. It's too easy to forget to turn them on and if you aren't paying attention...you know the rest. That sensor should trigger a relay that will supply direct battery voltage to your fans, protected with fuses/breaker/fus link, whatever your preference. Heavy duty stuff like fans tend to spike when initially turned on so a breaker might be best. I use fuses and haven't had an issue though. You could rig up a switch to override the temp sensor to run the fans even after you shut it down to help cool off those underhood temps...this will kill your battery if your not careful but is convenient after waiting in bumper to bumper traffic getting into a cruise or show.
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: Pool Fixer]
#1192626
03/09/12 12:27 PM
03/09/12 12:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344 Central TX
roe
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344
Central TX
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They are triggered by a temp sensor as well, but when they are wired to direct battery voltage the temp sensor allows the fans to keep running even after the car is shut down, until the temp reaches the adjustable shutoff temp. Thats why I ran it to a keyed power source so that the fans wouldn't run after shut down. It keeps the fans completely automatic and only allows them to run if the car is running and the temp is above the turn on temp. I just dont like the amount of current thats running through that keyed connection point.
I suppose I could switch it over to a constant 12v which would allow the fans to run after shutoff, and just live with it if I have to. But I would prefer to keep it a keyed 12v.
1971 Plymouth Satellite 408/904 8 3/4 3.23 SG
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: roe]
#1192627
03/09/12 01:13 PM
03/09/12 01:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 199 NC
1970A66
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Quote:
Or what can I do to safely create a new keyed 12v port, or even upgrade my current one to be able to handle that kind of draw?
My suggestion is to use a relay to power your electric fans. Your fan supply would connect to your battery positive (or similar) and pass thru the relay contact to power up the fans. There would be a fuse inline between the battery and relay. The relay would turn on/off based upon the thermostat controller and that control would get its power from the keyed or non-keyed power. You can buy relay kits or buy the pieces and custom build one.
This will allow you to power higher current demand devices such as fans, stereo's etc. Lower current devices such as gauges can be powered from the acc fuse block terminal OR....... up under these Mopar dashes you have molded power plugs that have 3 female ports to plug into. Some ports are hot all the time and some are ignition key controlled.
The clock, glove box lamp and cigarette etc are hot all the time for example.
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: Andrewh]
#1192629
03/09/12 01:41 PM
03/09/12 01:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 199 NC
1970A66
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Joined: Feb 2012
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You can get battery power from your starter relay terminal. And keyed power too I think. You could mount the relay hidden under the battery tray............
Last edited by 1970A66; 03/09/12 01:44 PM.
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: Andrewh]
#1192633
03/09/12 06:10 PM
03/09/12 06:10 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 199 NC
1970A66
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Joined: Feb 2012
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Quote:
not if you tap into it to switch on a relay. if you used it to directly power your fan, then yes probably.
I agree!!
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: 1970A66]
#1192634
03/09/12 07:14 PM
03/09/12 07:14 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344 Central TX
roe
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Central TX
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this is the controller that is on the fans now. The way I have it set up is the same way it was hooked up on the truck of the guy I got the whole setup from because I could not find instructions anywhere. Connections are set up as follows: c-ground to frame 2-ground wires from the fan I have the power wires from the fan connected directly to the "keyed" 12v source on the fusebox so it only gets power during run, and there are fuses between the fan and the keyed 12v. It works this way but I dont like all that current going through that connection. Before I buy a relay setup, I was wondering if what I have can be setup differently to where it allows me to connect the fans power wires directly to constant 12v and not have the fans get power when car is not in run. If not, do you have a part number for a relay that can be had at autozone, advance, o'reilly's, etc... thanks roe
Last edited by roe; 03/09/12 07:19 PM.
1971 Plymouth Satellite 408/904 8 3/4 3.23 SG
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: roe]
#1192636
03/09/12 07:52 PM
03/09/12 07:52 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,285 West Coast, USA
jbc426
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It's a good idea to always use relays for high amp draw items, source the power for them from a distribution point that doesn't go through the bulkhead connectors on the firewall, and is directly fed from a fused main alternator circuit. This page helped me a lot when it comes to relays. http://www.classictruckshop.com/clubs/earlyburbs/projects/bosch/relay.htm
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
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Re: Adding accessories to fuse box
[Re: roe]
#1192638
03/09/12 08:11 PM
03/09/12 08:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344 Central TX
roe
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,344
Central TX
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do you have a part number for the relay? I want to make sure they have one in stock before I drive over. Or can I use any one of the fog lamp relays that pop up in autozones search feature?
thanks roe
Last edited by roe; 03/09/12 08:19 PM.
1971 Plymouth Satellite 408/904 8 3/4 3.23 SG
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