How to test if enough current?

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geepherder

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Posted: December 06, 2005 at 6:57 PM / IP Logged

That's usually the case when I hear this of this problem.

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DYohn

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Joined: April 22, 2003

Location: Arizona, United States

Posted: December 06, 2005 at 7:14 PM / IP Logged

Yes, never try to power any component off anything in the vehicle that is already powered, unless it is designed for it (like a cigarette lighter or power outlet.) Trying to tap a power source off something like an A/C control or dash light is always a bad idea, for many reasons not the least of which is the vehicle's wiring is only designed for the expected loads. Plus you never know for sure when some existing load is and is not actually powered (I've even seen one person try to use their dome light to power a video system and wonder why it only worked when the doors are open. Duh.)

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trobins5

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Posted: December 06, 2005 at 9:58 PM / IP Logged

I know about time outs and doom light wires are a no no. I am just looking for about a 2.4 amp draw. What about a 10ga 12v constant blower motor wire?

DYohn

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Posted: December 06, 2005 at 10:05 PM / IP Logged

trobins5 wrote:

I know about time outs and doom light wires are a no no. I am just looking for about a 2.4 amp draw. What about a 10ga 12v constant blower motor wire?

What about it? I'm not sure what you're asking.

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trobins5

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Posted: December 06, 2005 at 10:30 PM / IP Logged

Well, you said to only tap into a circuit like a lighter or pwr outlet. I'm asking if I am only adding about 2 more amps to the wire that is already a 15, 20, or 30 amp fuse rating will it hurt? I don't think so because the manufacture over rates the fuse size anyways.

DYohn

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Posted: December 06, 2005 at 11:52 PM / IP Logged

Like I said, in general it is not good practice to tap into an existing load side wire, mainly because car manufacturers use the smallest size wire possible for the expected load, and your additional load may cause problems. If you are tapping into the fuse box, sure go for it you may not cause any issues, but you may cause a fuse to blow. And never change the sizes of OEM fuses. If you need to run a new power cable, do so (with a proper fuse) directly from the battery.

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trobins5

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Posted: December 07, 2005 at 8:43 AM / IP Logged

Ok, what if I need a 12v constant and a switched pwr source from the center console area or the passenger kick/ glovebox area?

stevdart

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Posted: December 07, 2005 at 9:21 AM / IP Logged

Note to mods:

Please retitle this thread to "Cellular hands-free install".

Better than that: trobin5, I suggest you start a new thread with that title, as your original question here has been answered. Post it in the forum "Cellular and communications". Readers searching for answers will find it easier that way.

Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

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How to test if enough current?

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