Where to obtain power sources...
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From: Tomball/Nacogdoches TX
Where to obtain power sources... I have power sources running all thruought my car for different aftermarket accessories such as nitrous switches, fan switches, led lighting, etc etc. At the current moment I am only getting power from the cigarette lighter and a rear speaker. Since all my wires come to one switch plate by the cigarette lighter, where is the best places to get different power sources from that way I don't overload the power and blow fuses?
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
You're drawing power for an accessory from a speaker wire? 
The best place to get power is from the fuse panel. You will find that there are three terminals there designed specifically for aftermarket accessory installation. They are the three single terminals labeled IGN, ACCY, and BATT. They can be tapped using a flat spade connector. Remove the single bolt holding the fuse panel in place so you can move it enough to run your wires around the side and into the dash. The three terminals serve different purposes - BATT provides constant (battery) power, IGN provides power when the ignition is on, and ACCY provides power when the ignition is on or the retained accessory power system is active (until you open a door - like the radio).
If you have a number of accessories and may install more, you should run three fused wires (one from each terminal) to a convenient location under the dash - perhaps behind the console. Label them and you'll always be able to find a convenient source for accessory power.
The best place to get power is from the fuse panel. You will find that there are three terminals there designed specifically for aftermarket accessory installation. They are the three single terminals labeled IGN, ACCY, and BATT. They can be tapped using a flat spade connector. Remove the single bolt holding the fuse panel in place so you can move it enough to run your wires around the side and into the dash. The three terminals serve different purposes - BATT provides constant (battery) power, IGN provides power when the ignition is on, and ACCY provides power when the ignition is on or the retained accessory power system is active (until you open a door - like the radio).
If you have a number of accessories and may install more, you should run three fused wires (one from each terminal) to a convenient location under the dash - perhaps behind the console. Label them and you'll always be able to find a convenient source for accessory power.
