Newguy help question.

[Aodhan]

First off yes, I used the search option with not much luck.

Now for the question,

Where is the best place to tap into for power for a cb radio. I plan on mounting it where the ashtray sits but before I go hacking into anything I was wondering if there is a good constant power source under there that I could use. Or should I go though the firewall and to the battery itself.

Thanks in advance.

 

[XJeepguy]

For CB's I use shielded wire and go straight from the battery . But its my nature to go overboard with everything LOL .

 

[Aodhan]

For CB's I use shielded wire and go straight from the battery . But its my nature to go overboard with everything LOL .

Should I throw in an inline fuse for good measure? Is that a given if I come straight off the battery?

 

[FoneRunner]

A fuse is always a good idea...but I took power from a 15A connector right under the dash...it works fine but only with the key on. One day I'll get under there and find constant power. I've always been told that if it's a high amp draw then go to the battery...otherwise you can tap any of the other power sources. Personally I choose non-critical things to mess with like cigarette lighter and window switch circuits to tap. Hope that helps!

 

[steezemcqueen]

i have an aux fuse box so thats where mine came from but i have heard of people tapping off of the cig lighter or stereo connections

 

[XJeepguy]

Absolutely yes . I forgot to add in my first reply that I go to the battery because my "CB" uses more power than your average CB :

Should I throw in an inline fuse for good measure? Is that a given if I come straight off the battery?

 

[Aodhan]

So how big of a fuse should I run. I was thinking a #15 that seems excessive or am I wrong?

 

[AKAndy]

I did an inline circuit tap into the cig lighter fuse, I think I used a 5 amp. I checked the instruction manual for my CB and it told what fuse was recommended. You probably don't need 15 unless you're going to wire up a loudspeaker under the hood or something like that.