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Switched 12v locate - multiple conductors

Posted: Apr 11, 2012 9:21 PM
by 9mil
So I am wiring up my LC-1,DB gauge for lc1, knocksense knock detector, and MSD 6a units and I am pulling all the grounds to a distribution block to run to the engine ground and I need 12v switched for all of these- I would like to pull one heavier gauge wire from a good source and distribute from one location ( near passengers strut mount- due to shorter O2 lead for lc1). I have all power cables pulled to this point and it would be awfully handy to connect all to distribution block wired from one source- wherever it needs to come from. Obviously I'm not an electrition but I don't want to overload the source. I know the fuel relay is a good source but it sure seems like this could cause a meltdown of sorts. I'm trying to keep random wire tapping sources down-

Thoughts?

Anything requiring direct battery connectivity (6a) is getting that from source.

Thanks and I have been dreading this portion for a while!

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Posted: Apr 11, 2012 9:24 PM
by mooseheadm5
You can either run power from the aux fuse box. It is a little box with two fuses in it, one fed by a green wire and one fed by a red wire. The green wire is the circuit you want.

Posted: Apr 11, 2012 9:47 PM
by 9mil
So maybe a 14g wire ( with inline fuse) to a tidy connection point to connect the offshoots to-
I must say I have been eyeing her from across the engine bay for a while now!

9

Posted: Apr 11, 2012 9:52 PM
by marc79euro645
I did mine with 2 relays, one dedicated for fuel pumps,one that feeds a terminal strip, mine wasn't bussed so I had to make short jumpers to feed the posts, for injectors,sensors, & ms.
speaking of relays I recently checked the voltage of my lame a/c blower fan, only 8.5 volts. I installed a new feed & relay.
I was very happy at how much better the fan blows at 12.5 volts.Also buy a 3rd relay & put it in your glove box.
good luck
marc

Posted: Apr 11, 2012 9:52 PM
by mooseheadm5
It is fused. You don't really need to add another one, just tie in after the fuse. It is made for adding accessories without screwing with the harness. If you need any constant power, use the red circuit in that same box.

Posted: Apr 11, 2012 10:10 PM
by 9mil
Roger that... But is 14g enough you think?

Thanks... Again

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Posted: Apr 11, 2012 10:55 PM
by mooseheadm5
Minimum ampacity of 14g wire is 17A. More if it has reasonable circulation of air around it.

Posted: Apr 11, 2012 11:46 PM
by GI jonas
mooseheadm5 wrote:MAXIMUM ampacity of 14g wire is 17A. More if it has reasonable circulation of air around it.
Fixed :D

Posted: Apr 12, 2012 12:41 AM
by mooseheadm5
No, I meant at a minimum, that 14g wire will handle 17A, but it can handle more if it is not enclosed in a loom.

Posted: Apr 12, 2012 10:11 AM
by 9mil
i have decided to bump up to 10g to be on the safe side.

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Posted: Apr 12, 2012 10:52 AM
by mooseheadm5
How much current draw are you expecting?

Posted: Apr 12, 2012 2:05 PM
by 9mil
mooseheadm5 wrote:How much current draw are you expecting?
1.21 gigawatts!

I was looking at the 14g i have and i wasnt really please with its jacket- seems on the low end of the scale for acceptable 14g cable.