help finding a ignition triggered power source

[clinchfield33]

Hello.

I am adding an a after market item to my 2000 Expy that requires a power source that comes on when the ignition key is turned on.
Can I pull power from the fuse panel? If so, how?

Thanks

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

Yes you can.

suggest using one of the fuses that powers something that only works when the vehicle is running. look in your schematic in the back of your owner's manual and decide what amperage you need. also suggest putting an inline fuse between the fuse block/panel and your device so you 'pop' that fuse vice the main one should that ever occur. you can either splice into the wire coming out the backside, or (don't recommend this depending on the amperage draw) pull the fuse, skin back your wire, spread the wires into two parts and then insert into the fuse slot and put the fuse back in.

PanHandler.

 

[stamp11127]

It depends on your ability to do electrical work, how close to "factory" you want the additional circuit to be and how much time your willing to put in.
Most fuse panels have unused spots in them if you wanted to be factory like. This is also the most labor intensive and costly method depending on where you source the parts. When I do electrical work at the shop this is my preferred method when time allows.

What are you wanting to add and what is the current draw (amps)?

Consider using circuit breakers instead of fuses if your not going to add to the fuse box - more expensive but they trip instead of "pop" if something shorts or overloads.

If you want to add to the panel I can take some pics to show you the steps. It will be from school bus harnesses though but same idea.

Stripping and jamming a wire into the fuse block is not an acceptable method although it will work - I don't recommend it.

 

[Lightnig]

...

Stripping and jamming a wire into the fuse block is not an acceptable method although it will work - I don't recommend it.

Agreed, I might do that in an emergency just to limp home, but not for anything else. Too much risk of shorting and loose connections.

Go down to the local parts store and pick up one of these



It is essentially a circuit splitter, takes one fuse block circuit and adds a second one on top of it. Each circuit, both the original and new additional one each get their own fuse...