Installing multiple individual 12v power outlets.
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Installing multiple individual 12v power outlets.
Hello fellas,
I recently purchased a 1987 B350 12 passenger Van to use for my band. We're on the road every weekend and everyone kills the time messing around on the phones and laptops. It has 3 bench seats in the back and we would like to install a 12volt (cigarette lighter style) power outlet next to each seat, so 3 total.
My questions is can I run a single 10 gauge power cable down the side and more or less "daisy chain" all 3 outlets together? If so, I'm assuming that I could daisy chain the negative wires and run them all the way back to the battery, correct?
One more questions: Should I use a 30amp inline fuse, or what size would you suggest? Overkill is fine. I'd rather by safe than sorry.
Sorry, I'm bit of a novice at the electrical stuff. Thanks in advance!
I recently purchased a 1987 B350 12 passenger Van to use for my band. We're on the road every weekend and everyone kills the time messing around on the phones and laptops. It has 3 bench seats in the back and we would like to install a 12volt (cigarette lighter style) power outlet next to each seat, so 3 total.
My questions is can I run a single 10 gauge power cable down the side and more or less "daisy chain" all 3 outlets together? If so, I'm assuming that I could daisy chain the negative wires and run them all the way back to the battery, correct?
One more questions: Should I use a 30amp inline fuse, or what size would you suggest? Overkill is fine. I'd rather by safe than sorry.
Sorry, I'm bit of a novice at the electrical stuff. Thanks in advance!
Last edited by InternationalVanOfMystery; Jan 17, 2013 at 03:35 AM. Reason: changed wording
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From: Ohio
You can ground each outlet at the place you mount them , just clean off paint and drill and tap a hole (or use a bolt that is there) That will be the negative , Saves wire/time/trouble
A 30 amp fuse is at the limit of the 10 gauge wire , since your likely only using cell chargers ect the 30 amps should be OK.
I'd use a 25 amp to not be near the limit of the wire.
If you want to be really safe I'd install a 10 amp going to each outlet , That way is someone exceeds that the fuse will blow but the other two will remain operational.
A 30 amp fuse is at the limit of the 10 gauge wire , since your likely only using cell chargers ect the 30 amps should be OK.
I'd use a 25 amp to not be near the limit of the wire.
If you want to be really safe I'd install a 10 amp going to each outlet , That way is someone exceeds that the fuse will blow but the other two will remain operational.
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Thanks for the helpful reply.
So like this? Or do I need to put another 25 or 30A inline fuse right after the battery?
Also I'm considering installing a switch so I can turn the power supply on/off. Don't want to run the risk of someone leaving something turned on in the van all night and leaving us stranded with a dead battery in the morning. I have a perfect spot in the dash for the switch. Do I just run the power wire to the switch and then onto the sockets, or do I need some sort of relay? Also do I run a ground wire from the switch to nearby metal just like the with power outlets?
Here's a kit I found that might work great (Painless Performance Cirkit Boss Auxiliary Fuse Blocks 70207) . Would I connect a switch to the relay?
If you want to be really safe I'd install a 10 amp going to each outlet , That way is someone exceeds that the fuse will blow but the other two will remain operational
Also I'm considering installing a switch so I can turn the power supply on/off. Don't want to run the risk of someone leaving something turned on in the van all night and leaving us stranded with a dead battery in the morning. I have a perfect spot in the dash for the switch. Do I just run the power wire to the switch and then onto the sockets, or do I need some sort of relay? Also do I run a ground wire from the switch to nearby metal just like the with power outlets?
Here's a kit I found that might work great (Painless Performance Cirkit Boss Auxiliary Fuse Blocks 70207) . Would I connect a switch to the relay?
Last edited by InternationalVanOfMystery; Jan 18, 2013 at 12:06 AM. Reason: added question.
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From: Ohio
No you still need a primare 25/30 amp fuse
If you ae a novice at wiring buy an add a fuse and plug that into one of the switched fuses HVAC blower ect , that way it will turn off automatically when you remove the key
IF you get a switch rates at 25/30 amps DC you don't need a relay
The ground on the switch is just to light the light but yes just ground to a nearby metal piece
If you ae a novice at wiring buy an add a fuse and plug that into one of the switched fuses HVAC blower ect , that way it will turn off automatically when you remove the key
IF you get a switch rates at 25/30 amps DC you don't need a relay
The ground on the switch is just to light the light but yes just ground to a nearby metal piece
