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proper way to wire 3 switches


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fronzizzle 
Copper - Posts: 57
Copper spacespace
Joined: February 21, 2010
Location: Michigan, United States
Posted: April 24, 2013 at 6:32 AM / IP Logged  
Hello All,
I have a project car (1985 Camaro) that I've been working on. I've already added two extra fuse boxes for various engine components (upgraded ECM, fan, amp, etc.). I'm sort of short on fuse locations and I'm trying to figure out how to wire this.
Above my radio, I installed a switch panel that has three lighted 20-amp toggle switches. One is going to run a 6-foot LED light around the front of the grill, the second is going to run a LED light under the hood and the third...well, I haven't decided yet, though I'm 99% it'll run another LED light, probably in the hatch.
My question is, what is the best way to wire power to the switches? I know I can combine all of the ground wires, but I can also combine the power wires? The radio power wire is right there, I would love to be able to tie into that but I'm not sure if that is acceptable. I hope I don't have to run 3 separate wires from the battery or something like that.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Velocity Motors 
Moderator - Posts: 12,488
Moderator spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Fabrication. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Security and Convenience. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: March 08, 2002
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posted: April 24, 2013 at 7:53 AM / IP Logged  
LED lights are low consumption so you can use the switched ignition power from the radio to drive the power of the LED's and ground at the location of the LED lights. You can combine all the wires for the power for the switches ( fuse at 10 amps ) and then you can run the other side of the switch to all the lights. The reason you want to use switched ignition instead of constant power is because if you forget to switch the lights off in the trunk or the grill, it will drain your battery over time and having it on switched power, the lights will turn off when you shut the car off.
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
fronzizzle 
Copper - Posts: 57
Copper spacespace
Joined: February 21, 2010
Location: Michigan, United States
Posted: April 24, 2013 at 8:07 AM / IP Logged  
Thank you for the reply.
Where would I fuse the wire? Would I fuse it before it splits to the radio and three lights, or (I assume) after it splits so this 10 amp fuse is only protecting the lights & not the radio, too?
Velocity Motors 
Moderator - Posts: 12,488
Moderator spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Fabrication. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Security and Convenience. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: March 08, 2002
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posted: April 25, 2013 at 9:19 AM / IP Logged  
Fuse the wire after the connection to the switched igition behind the radio.
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

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