I bought a 6 position fuse block from NAPA - simple, nothing exceptional. The block will be used to power the following items: CB, GPS, aux light switches (relay set-up), plus 2 open slots.

My question: Is it possible to power the fuse block using a fuse tap on an ignition "hot" fuse like the one utilized by the Painless fuse block kit?

My alternative was to run a fused hot line from the battery, but I really don't want to have constant hot for these accessories.

Thanks
Jeff

 

run the "fused hot line from the battery," but after the fuse you can run it through a relay controlled by ignition hot. that way you have a properly sized direct source from the battery but it won't be a constant hot. since you don't know what other accessories you will be adding, i would use a wire rated for the max rating of the fuse block, but only fuse it for your calculated draw. same deal with the relay, make sure it's going to have enough capacity to accommodate future accessories. fuses can easily be changed as needed, and you should always uses the smallest possible fuse that will accommodate the calculated load

 

If you are going to tap an ignition switched source, I would use a relay for the box...basically, your relay would connect to positive terminal on battery. Switched source would act as a trigger and "turn on" or fuse box...

 

Follow-up question...

Can I get a relay box (mounting bracket/housing) at NAPA? If the fuse block is rated at a max of 30 amps/fuse, does that translate into a capacity of 180 amps for the fuse block? Will that melt the fuse block plastic? (I know NAPA sells the relays.) Or, do I just run wires directly to the relay? My goal is a clean, safe installation.

I can fab a small mounting plate for the fuse block and relay, as needed.

Thanks.
Jeff

 

I think that a lot of people realy do not understand how to wire these things up. And that can be very dangerous. Just because you can push in six 30A fuses does not mean that you have 180A capacity on the fuse block. The fuse block should be rated at how much the buss on the block can carry. Then. You have to use the correct size wire and fuse between the battery and the fuse block. Every part of the circuit should compliment each other.

 

BD makes a POWER POD that has six 5 amp curcits, 3 constant and 3 switched. it comes with everything you need to hook it up and has LED indicators on each fuse to show the status. Less than $100 and it looks very neat and professional.