Gauge Wiring Help
Gauge Wiring Help I was wondering if anyone could help me w/ providing a wiring schematic for wiring a set of 3 guages up through the accessory terminal in the fuse box. I know from another thread that you can connect it through there, but they also said something about adding inline fuses to make sure they dont fry and such. Im a total noob when it comes to electronics so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Put down the wire and step away from the car. If installing an inline fuse in a standard power circuit is something you haven't done then you should seriously consider getting a friend (or anyone else) to do this for you (or at least help you with it).
I'm not putting you down but this is one of the most basic of wiring items. Sometimes it's just better to admit you've never done something and get someone else to do it. If done incorrectly, this could cause a fire that would potentially destroy your car (not likely, but possible).
I'm not putting you down but this is one of the most basic of wiring items. Sometimes it's just better to admit you've never done something and get someone else to do it. If done incorrectly, this could cause a fire that would potentially destroy your car (not likely, but possible).
I have already done them and yes I know what an inline fuse is and the basic principals of wiring circuts. Now that I read the post I realize I did sound pretty ignorant about the whole concept. I was just in a hurry on my way out to class and typed it up quick. I already have the gauges temporarily wired through the add a circuts and they work fine, but I wanted something a little more clean and permenant. I was just hoping somoene could offer me a few tips so I didnt mess it up.
Can I simply wire them all in series, or is there some way to wire them in parallel that would be better? What size should the inline fuse be? Just looking for a few simple answers because I dont want to mess up $400+ in gauges.
Can I simply wire them all in series, or is there some way to wire them in parallel that would be better? What size should the inline fuse be? Just looking for a few simple answers because I dont want to mess up $400+ in gauges.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Originally Posted by DropTopBird
I have already done them and yes I know what an inline fuse is and the basic principals of wiring circuts. Now that I read the post I realize I did sound pretty ignorant about the whole concept. I was just in a hurry on my way out to class and typed it up quick. I already have the gauges temporarily wired through the add a circuts and they work fine, but I wanted something a little more clean and permenant. I was just hoping somoene could offer me a few tips so I didnt mess it up.
Can I simply wire them all in series, or is there some way to wire them in parallel that would be better? What size should the inline fuse be? Just looking for a few simple answers because I dont want to mess up $400+ in gauges.
Can I simply wire them all in series, or is there some way to wire them in parallel that would be better? What size should the inline fuse be? Just looking for a few simple answers because I dont want to mess up $400+ in gauges.
Use the IGN port rather than the ACCY one in the fuse panel. It's a 15 amp circuit that goes on and off with the ignition switch. The ACCY port has retained accessory power (like the radio) and I doubt you need gauges after shutting off the ignition.
It will be easier to wire the gauges in series (less wires) and there's no real advantage to wiring in parallel but it means you will have to be more careful about your selection of inline fuse. The best bet would be to use 16-gauge or even 14-gauge wire but still protect the circuit with as small a fuse as will work. That would probably be a 5-amp or maybe a 7.5-amp. I'm not sure how much current draw you would have from your gauges but that should be sufficient to protect them from damage.
I figured series would prob be the easiest way to do it. Thanks for catching me on the wrong fuse. I knew that it should be the ignition fuse, but was thinking accessory for some reason. Thanks for the help though, that did clear up the few questions I had.
