I still think its better (and cleaner) to run directly to the battery with an in line fuse. Take a look at your CB max draw and put a fuse slightly over the max amperage. 20amps may be over kill.. but would probably be acceptable.

Basically any fuse will blow with catastrophic failure!

 

Just fuse according to the wire size you're running.

8 awg 50 amps
10 awg 30 amps
12 awg 20 amps
14 awg 15 amps
16 awg 7.5 amps

These are the recommended maximum fuse ratings for the corresponding wire size. Using a smaller fuse than what's recommended here will be perfectly safe.

 

This question is to everyone on this thread, not just crazedcat... how would you suggest a total newbie at electrical work learn about electronics and wiring? Are there any really good resources you can steer me toward?

 

Thanks for all the good info guys. Really, really helpful.

I had my CB shipped to work, should be here in a few hours, getting off early and heading to Radio Shack to pick up the supplies then back home for the install!

 

Well.. I'm sure you can find oodles of books on Amazon.. or even at your local library (whats that?).

Hell, I bet you could find all you need to know on the internet. Just search for basic DC circuits. The electrical system of your car is increadibly simple. Especially if you are installing a CB or similiar.

You could always take an Intro to Electronics class at your community college too

 

For car audio & electronics this is probably the best, most complete site out there:

www.bcae1.com

 

Where is a good place to attach the ground wire?

 

Find a bolt that attaches directly to the steel (not painted). It will be a good chassis ground. Also.. if you have a multi-meter, you can put the negative probe on the bolt that works for you and the positive on the red wire. If you read curret - it's a suitible ground.

If you can't find an existing bolt that is easy to remove... you can drill a new hole in the steel.. and put your own bolt in.

 

Thanks for all the help man, I'm sure it's going to turn out good

 

I run my radar detector and a GPS on the same socket with an splitter. One input (where it plugs into the lighter and two outputs). Never blew any fuses.