Question about fuse box

[Alan]

I want to hard-wire some equipment to my car. I noticed that #5 and #20 in the fuse box aren't used. I thought I remembered reading somewhere here that those are wired and "hot" in the panel but just not used. Is that correct? What is the AMP rating for those spots?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[ultravorx]

what equipment do you want hardwired in? Is it a high powered radio, CB, radar detector, sub amp? I have been asked if all of these items could be installed in a fuse box. you just cannot do all of these. If its a low currant device such as a radar detector(2 amps), not a problem, but a cb (10amps), or a high powered radio(20 amps), and sub amps which can run up to 200 amps!! I'd say its safe to put a device 10 amps and under on that circuit, no more. Anything over 10 amps run to the battery.
Frank

[Alan]

ultravorx,

I need to hard-wire in some hide-a-way strobes and am not sure if I need to run the hot wire directly to the battery or to the fuse box. I'll have to check on the amps of the equipment...but I doubt if all 4 strobes will draw more than 10 amps total.

Of course, I could always use the cigar lighter. I don't smoke and will never use it. I could just use that spot on the fuse box. If memory serves, I think it allows 15amps.

[RCSignals]

Are you referring to the fuse panel inside the car or the Power distribution box under the hood?
I think they may be enough capacity from the underhood Power distribution box.

[Ross]

Alan, remind everyone that you're a cop! Otherwise, I can hear someone saying "Strobes? Sounds like a ricer!":lol:

[Alan]

RC - sorry I didn't make that clear. I'm talking about the fuse panel inside the car.

Ross - Yep. Should have stated that at first.

These strobes are little high-intensity colored lights that are mounted in the existing auxiliary lights. Red/blue for the front and clear for the rear. I've been reluctant to drill 1" holes in my lights to mount the rubber grommet-based lights....but I really need the lights. I don't want to run a full lightbar on top of my roof.

I finally found my little circuit tester and confirmed that #5 and #20 are indeed hot. Should be simple to wire directly there. Thanks everyone!

[jfclancy]

Hey Alan
Strobes are usually current hogs the fuse block may be acceptable but I would suggest straight from the battery or power distribution box and then put a in line fuse to the strobes
as a good solution.

Joe Clancy

[Alan]

jfclancy,

Yep. The strobe kits contains its own 20W power supply with 2 inline fuses which powers 2 strobes via a switch. It's probably easier to go directly to the battery with them...the way the kit is designed...but I haven't found a clear place to push the wires through the firewall into the passenger compartment. I have looked at the possiblility of going through the hood release into the engine compartment.

[Effster]

in the fuse box there are 2 places you can use.they have a tap for a moonroof and a tap for heated seats(if the car didnt come with them)i also believe that there is a police option tap in there too.