switched power

[hrt4me]

What is a good source I can tap into for switched (ignition, accessory) power near the center panel or steering column? I'd prefer to not tap into the wiring harness for the Alpine head unit...

 

[fourwd1]

Cigarette lighter

 

[98OzarksRunner]

How much current do you need? I tapped the cig lighter/accessory sockets for my CB radio. I also replaced one of the accessory sockets with a Blue Sea USB outlet. I would guess the cig lighter/accessory sockets could supply 10 amps easily enough.

 

[hrt4me]

How much current do you need? I tapped the cig lighter/accessory sockets for my CB radio. I also replaced one of the accessory sockets with a Blue Sea USB outlet. I would guess the cig lighter/accessory sockets could supply 10 amps easily enough.

enough current to power the Subaru gauge pack/field monitor unit (FMU) - similar to the Hilux FMU...

but I was also considering adding a Blue Sea fuse block to handle various other accessories...

 

[98OzarksRunner]

enough current to power the Subaru gauge pack/field monitor unit (FMU) - similar to the Hilux FMU...

but I was also considering adding a Blue Sea fuse block to handle various other accessories...

I would guess the FMU would probably pull a couple of amps. You should be fine on the cig lighter/accessory circuit.

 

[Robb235]

I was going to post a similar question, but I'll piggy-back off this one.

My cigarette lighter ports are hot full time, where else is a good place to get power (signal for relay) when I have the ignition on? How about ONLY if the engine is running?

 

[liftedbrigade]

I was going to post a similar question, but I'll piggy-back off this one.

My cigarette lighter ports are hot full time, where else is a good place to get power (signal for relay) when I have the ignition on? How about ONLY if the engine is running?

Can;t you pull from the fuse box?

 

[Kurtis]

X2 ^^^ Do it the right way. Go the auto parts store and get an add-a-fuse.

 

[Robb235]

X2 ^^^ Do it the right way. Go the auto parts store and get an add-a-fuse.

Okay, that doesn't really answer what I was asking though. I certainly plan on using fused connections. Just trying to find sources I can use to energize relays when the motor is on.

 

[liftedbrigade]

You can tap the fuse box for a source of power. Or add a fuse will do the same thing

 

[Kurtis]

Okay, that doesn't really answer what I was asking though. I certainly plan on using fused connections. Just trying to find sources I can use to energize relays when the motor is on.

That fuse box is only energized when the key is turned to ON.

 

[Robb235]

Ooohhhh got it. Light bulb just went off, haha.

I'm not the greatest when it comes to electrical stuff.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

Not all of the circuits in the under dash fuse panel are switched. For example, the fuse for the horn/hazard lights isn't switched. You could use the accessory fuse circuit since it is switched. It has a 15 amp fuse in it now. You could put the 'piggy-back' fuse holder in that slot, use 15 amp fuse for accessories, and maybe run a 10 amp for your other things. It might be better to use the gauge, wiper, or turn signal circuits since they are probably fed by a larger wire (the accessory circuit is fed with it's own wire from the ignition switch, and since it is rated for 15 amps, it might be a smaller gauge wire). The downside of using those circuits is that they are not powered when the ignition switch is in 'Accessory' position, only 'run'.

 

[Robb235]

Is there anything that's hot only when the engine is running? Fuel pump?

 

[Kurtis]

Not all of the circuits in the under dash fuse panel are switched. For example, the fuse for the horn/hazard lights isn't switched. You could use the accessory fuse circuit since it is switched. It has a 15 amp fuse in it now. You could put the 'piggy-back' fuse holder in that slot, use 15 amp fuse for accessories, and maybe run a 10 amp for your other things. It might be better to use the gauge, wiper, or turn signal circuits since they are probably fed by a larger wire (the accessory circuit is fed with it's own wire from the ignition switch, and since it is rated for 15 amps, it might be a smaller gauge wire). The downside of using those circuits is that they are not powered when the ignition switch is in 'Accessory' position, only 'run'.

You're right. Forgot about those ones.

Is there anything that's hot only when the engine is running? Fuel pump?

Negative. Why do you want it only when the engine is running? Just curious. Seems like a lot of ass pain to make it work like that.

 

[hrt4me]

Is there any reason I cannot (or should not) tap into my aftermarket stereo/head unit's wiring harness for Constant +12VDC power, Switched power (ignition/accessory), Ground and Illumination when wiring up and installing my Subaru gauge pack/field monitor unit (FMU)?