reaj

iTrader: (6)

Hey everyone,
was looking for the best way to run a 12V switched power set-up to power things such a gauges and car audio items. i heard that you can use a relay set-up and use something like the cig lighter as the trigger for the relay to power a fuse block where i can power everything that needs 12v. i am curious how i go about setting this up? I.E. which relay, wires, and some general instructions. i am in the process of setting up an AUX fuse block to run off the battery to power big power items. Would really like to figure this crap out, any help would rock! i have seen the AUX fuse box install in the tech section so i have a general idea.
Thanks Guys!

tj884Rdlx

one of the best places to start web research on toyota truck mods, is 4crawler's site:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/index.shtml

he's got a write up on his aux power here:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...werPoint.shtml

the next step is a google search of "4runner aux power", "4runner aux fuse block" or similar words. search with google and you'll get better results. anytime i use google to search, the info at yotatech comes up right at the top, so if it's in here, you'll find it through google easily.

GV27

Mastacox posted this in another thread the other day.They're kits that include a fuse block and a relay. They have different options - some have all switched circuits, some have a mix of switched and constant-hot circuits. Pretty slick.

http://www.painlessperformance.com/w...&Submit=Search

Take main power straight off the battery, then find switched power somewhere. A wire to something like the cig lighter - or anything that's only on when you want your accessories to be on - will work using a tap like this:

http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CEsQ8wIwAg

I like to use a fuse tap in the fuse box like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-BP-HH.../dp/B000GKEXK2

And some suggest splicing in to the ignition switch like this:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/w.../#post51797008

Your choice. Some will tell you that no other way but their way can possibly be any good, but in my experience they all work. Do what's comfortable for you.

As far as wire size goes, figure out how much power you intend to run on a circuit and how long the wire needs to be then use this chart to find the MINIMUM wire size. You can always go thicker (lower gauge numbers). I'd figure out what capacity you want for the block, then get a relay, main power wire and fuse all to match that maximum amperage. You're installing an auxiliary block, no reason at all not to go for a nice beefy one even if you're not sure you need all the power. Your relay "trigger" wire will only need to carry a couple of amps, so it can be fairly small which can be helpful for snaking it around under the dash.

edit: forgot the chart!



And do a search as suggested. Lot's of threads like that, but this should give you a start.

Chris

irab88

iTrader: (4)

here's mine:



tapped off of the 12v outlet, uses 4 awg to/from the battery bus bars, and uses a 120 amp solenoid

GV27

LOL.....normally you wouldn't want it quite that undersized but I suppose it'll do....

irab88

iTrader: (4)

what do you mean "undersized"? sure, the fuse box is light, but it can handle up to 120 amps. if i was going for power, i would have made a second set of switched bus bars. by the way, the bars have the equivalent cross-sectional area as 8/0 cable. beef.

TreeMan762

I think he was being sacastic

BMcEL

That's how I read it too lol.

irab88

iTrader: (4)

i'm no good with sarcasm on the interwebs. hope i didn't come off as sounding like a complete jerk

BMcEL

I didn't think so...just standing up for your work, which looks great by the way!

irab88

iTrader: (4)

heh, thanks. if anyone wants more info on my setup, lemme know. i'm good with this kind of stuff.

BMcEL

Ya I was gonna look around on the web for that fuse box but it might be easier to ask lol...so which fuse box is that?

GV27

YES - I WAS being sarcastic. That thing's beefy as hell! Thought the little drunkard smiley woulda conveyed that plus - who the heck would call THAT setup undersized? Undersized on an aircraft carrier, perhaps, but on a Taco? Not so much.....

And no, you didn't come off as a jerk at all. I was afraid for a moment I had though.....

Chris

irab88

iTrader: (4)

it's all good.

the fuse box is a blue sea systems 12 circuit with ground, 30a max per circuit and 120a max total. they come in a few varieties, 6 and 12 circuit, with and without ground. they're a bit pricey, but well worth it imo. they can be found new on ebay for less than retail, and the solenoid and fuses on amazon for cheap. all the hardware came from mcmaster.com, which is a great place for any type of hardware.

reaj

iTrader: (6)

thanks alot GV27, i am gonna buy a pre-made water proof set of both! i have tons of audio stuff and soon tons of wheeling stuff!

Irab88 is right about the Blue Sea systems rocking, using a 6 circuit now for a hot 12V!

LK1

Just remember to fuse the main power line coming off your battery and going to the new fuse box as close to the battery as possible.

If you get a short or large power spike you want the fuse to blow as soon as possible and the closer it is to the battery the sooner it will overheat.

Hope that makes sense and helps

reaj

iTrader: (6)

irab88 - Where did you get your bus bars? Im installing a new battery and high out put Alt. plus i would like to do the big three, any help or ideas?

Anyone have a good write-up for the Big 3 with pictures (visual learner)

irab88

iTrader: (4)

i made 'em. i got all the raw materials from mcmaster.com and had all the other tools. i actually made 3 bars, but broke a tap in one of them (the reason i cut 3). the bar is 1" x 0.5" x 9" so i can get 4 total bars from a 3-foot piece. the cross-sectional area at the thinnest point is equivalent to 8/0 cable (the biggest you can reasonably buy is 4/0)

for the big-3, i suggest no less than 4 gauge wire. i'm using 2. you can also get the terminals (lugs) and wire from mcmaster, as they have good prices and fast shipping

reaj

iTrader: (6)

Irab88 Love the write up!! here in next few months going to build some bus bars! going to use A solid copper block easily bought off Ebay. Drill, tap and sent off to be platted! also still not sure many locations of my big three and how to find them from my battery as it seems to be all taped together and stuff. thanks again

irab88

iTrader: (4)

get a haynes manual for the wiring diagrams. it helped me to keep my wiring straight.