wiring 3 gauges and ecutout to 1 in line fuse
03-03-2011, 12:43 PM
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wiring 3 gauges and ecutout to 1 in line fuse So my question is that I'm installing 3 gauges(boost/vac, fuel pressure, and wideband. I'm also wiring in a DMH e-cutout. My plan was to wire them all to an inline fuse for power then plug the other end into the fuse box ACCY spot. The inline fuse holder I have is 12 guage wire. Can I wire up all the other 12v switched wires that vary in smaller sizes(18-20) to the larger wire on the inline fuse? I plan on putting in a 10 amp fuse. The ground I'm just going to wire together on 18 guage and find a good ground bolt.
03-04-2011, 07:55 AM
#3
Yes, but that's not the point. Fuses don't protect components or accessories, they protect the wiring going to those components from overheating due to excess current. Sure you can run 12 gauge on a circuit with a 10-amp fuse and be well protected. But it's the smaller gauge wire after the split for the the multiple accessories that will cause the problem. For example, 16 gauge wire is rated to handle eight amps but it would be possible for a full 10 amps to pass through that wire when using a 10-amp fuse. It's even worse using 18-20 gauge wire - 10 amps could literally melt the insulation and cause a fire.
So you're best bet is to add individual fuses of the appropriate size to each of the smaller wires at the distribution point.
So you're best bet is to add individual fuses of the appropriate size to each of the smaller wires at the distribution point.
03-04-2011, 08:28 AM
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What about if I wire up the three gauges to one fuse(10 amp fuse) and have the cutout on it's own fuse and spot in the fuse box. I see alot of people put multiple gauges on one of the switched accessory lines in the fuse box. The cutout I could do completely separate. Would that work and be relatively safe? Electrical and wiring aren't my strong suit. `
03-04-2011, 08:33 AM
#5
Again, it's not the gauges or the cutout that make the difference, it's the wiring used. It doesn't matter if you put one or five gauges on a circuit... if they're connected using small gauge wire but with a 10-amp fuse then you're asking for trouble.
Gauges draw very little current. If you want to put the gauges together on a separate circuit then use a smaller fuse like a 5-amp.
Gauges draw very little current. If you want to put the gauges together on a separate circuit then use a smaller fuse like a 5-amp.
