Wiring socket panel directly to battery?

[Ironiguana]

I would like to add something like this, that I can turn on when engine is not running, to get power for short periods of time while camping.

https://linkstyle.com/products/link...er-toggle-switch-for-truck-car-marine-boat-rv

My question is, do I tap directly to battery, or do I need to protect it somehow by going through fuse box?

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[Billnchristy]

You can wire to battery, just put a fuse 18" or less from battery. There's some nice terminal blocks already built in so easy to add.

 

[JohnnyBronco]

Rather than connecting at battery, which because your connector there can(I said can not will) cause corrosion at battery terminal.or main connection come loose. I have seen it happen.

Better to find where the always hot positive wire connects to existing fuse block. It will be the heaviest red wire at the block

Connect there with an inline fuse of sufficient and proper size.. you may even find that block already has a spare always hot circuit ready and waiting for use as output.

 

[Grumpy]

If it were me I would connect to a fuse location that is always hot (as you stated you prefer to not start Bronco) or find a fuse location for accessories so you just have to hit start button without using the brake to turn on accessories. When doing this use a ADD A FUSE pigtail. You can wire your power wire for what your trying to use directly to this pigtail and then to the fuse box. If you decide to go this route, make sure you buy a micro add a fuse. Not standard or mini but micro as this is what the bronco uses.

 

[cyberfalco]

I vote for right to the battery. There are lots of connection posts on the Bronco battery terminals. Use plenty of dielectric grease, large enough gauge wire, and a fuse of appropriate size.

I ran a plug for my ARB Fridge/Freeze right to the battery.

 

[Ironiguana]

If it were me I would connect to a fuse location that is always hot (as you stated you prefer to not start Bronco) or find a fuse location for accessories so you just have to hit start button without using the brake to turn on accessories. When doing this use a ADD A FUSE pigtail. You can wire your power wire for what your trying to use directly to this pigtail and then to the fuse box. If you decide to go this route, make sure you buy a micro add a fuse. Not standard or mini but micro as this is what the bronco uses.

How do you know which fuse locations are always hot?

 

[Grumpy]

You buy a test lite, they are very cheap at any auto store or Wal-Mart. And with the vehicle off check each fuse with the test lite, once you see the test lite lite-up, that is a live circuit. If a fuse doesn't lite up then it is only live with key on or running. The test lite has one lead wire with alligator clip. You locate a ground on vehicle or negative post on battery and connect alligator clip to it, then check the fuses by touching the tip of the test lite on each fuse contact point(metal showing from top of fuse). It will either lite up or it won't.

 

[Grumpy]

The add a fuse pigtail has to inlet ports for fuses. There should already be a fuse inserted at purchase. Determine if that is the correct amp fuse needed. Once you have selected a fuse to use. You pull that fuse out and remember where you pulled it from. Take that fuse and insert it into the pigtail fuse inlet. Plug the pigtail into that port you previously pulled the OEM fuse from.

 

[Billnchristy]

Adding a tap off a fuse is a bandaid and something I would only do for something super low draw, like backlight or something. Knowing what kind of headroom you have on that fuse is important and knowing that whatever you're doing isn't going to overload that circuit. Your battery is another foot away and provides an "unlimited" amount of power, why risk it?

 

[Jdyount]

The Bronco has terminals on the battery for accessory connection. Just use an in-line fuse and connect the positive to one of these terminals.

BTW, fuse taps are garbage, good way to melt your fuse box.

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