12 volt constant or 12 volt ignition?

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Forum Name: Mobile Video, GPS, and Navigation
Forum Discription: Mobile Video Head Units, DVD Players, LCD and TFT Monitors, Navigation, GPS, PS2, PS3, XBox, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=2485
Printed Date: July 21, 2025 at 2:04 PM

Topic: 12 volt constant or 12 volt ignition?

Posted By: sador
Subject: 12 volt constant or 12 volt ignition?
Date Posted: August 03, 2002 at 11:58 PM

Hi Everybody!! posted_image

posted_image Do you know what's the best way to power a 7"flip down color monitor 12 volt constant or 12 volt ignition? also do I need a in line fuse to protect it?(900 mA)

posted_image Thank You

Replies:

Posted By: sparkyssb
Date Posted: August 04, 2002 at 9:52 AM

Well, theres a difference between the two...12volt constant means even when the car is off there is power going to the monitor...12volt ignition will power the monitor only when the car is on...so its your choice. I would recommend wiring it to the ignition just so you know your battery wont drain when the car is off...also, your monitor doesn't take too much current so you probably dont need to wire it to a relay; however its always better to keep as less load on the ignition wire as possible.

In regards to an inline fuse....you probably wouldn't need one but I know with every piece of electronic equipment I install in a car, I ALWAYS USE ONE. So I recommend that you do put an inline fuse that is probably rated 3-5 amps.

Posted By: -=Jason=-
Date Posted: August 04, 2002 at 8:12 PM

yes. I second the idea of putting an inline fuse on your power line. I fuse every component I have in my truck. I like to think of it as a little bit of inexpensive extra protection. I used a 2 amp fuse on my 5.6" lcd.

Posted By: sador
Date Posted: August 06, 2002 at 12:19 PM

Thank you for you help guys
Also if I use a 12 volt ignition so I gonna lose my setting for my screen everytime I turn on my car that's right?

Posted By: sparkyssb
Date Posted: August 06, 2002 at 5:22 PM

more than likely.. posted_image