SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 Ok so I don't know much about relays and what not so figured I'd get the run down. Getting ready to future proof my Comanche with an aux fuse block and relay bank. I know I could run power directly to the fuse box but trying to see if there is a large enough power source that's keyed I can access from the PDC or somewhere inside the engine bay? I'm looking at running an 6 or 8 gauge wire to the fuse box and using that to power the relays. Any suggestions or do I just need to bite the bullet and run it from the battery? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 I ran a #6 AWG power cable to my aux fuse box on the right fender well from the PDC supply cable lug located at the front of the PDC. This cable is already fused and and there's enough room to get the additional cable in there. There's a cover over the lug you have to pull off to access it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dzimm Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 There really isn't going to be anything in the factory PDC that could or should run an entire Aux PDC. What you are asking is basically plugging a power strip into another power strip. It can be done but really shouldn't be done. If you really want your Aux PDC to be powered only when the ignition is on, there is ways to do it but you'd have to custom build a circuit to do so. Your best bet is to just run it directly from the battery. If the components running off of it are wired correctly, there should be no current draw when they are switched off. What exactly do you plan to run from the Aux PDC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 The main feed to the HO PDC is directly off the positive battery cable. And it's perfectly fine to run an aux fuse/relay panel from that point. I did miss the "but trying to see if there is a large enough power source that's keyed..." part. Normally aux fuse panels are not ignition switched and the devices tied to the aux fuse panel are controlled by ignition switched relays. Stuff I power from my aux fuse panel are the HI/LOW beam headlamps, the 2nd electric fan controller, power windows, power antenna, power mirrors, fog lamps, etc. Most all of these are controlled by ignition switched relays placed near the devices to minimize wire runs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 Thanks for the quick response. As of right now I'll be running a CB and air compressor. I plan on getting electric locker down the road and eventually a winch which I'll probably run directly off the battery since the draw is so high. I'm going to be running a 136amp alternator with 4 gauge wire. Eventually I'm going to run a second battery as well for long trips out in the woods as a safety backup but for right now I'm just trying to safety proof everything to avoid issues in the future. When I get the other 12v accessories I want to be able to hook them up to a relay and ground and not have to worry about fuses or finding power sources. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 https://www.amazon.com/OLS-6-Way-Blade-Indicator-Protection/dp/B00QMTAZ1W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495206038&sr=8-2&keywords=auxiliary+fuse+box Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 https://www.amazon.com/OLS-6-Way-Blade-Indicator-Protection/dp/B00QMTAZ1W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495206038&sr=8-2&keywords=auxiliary+fuse+box Spade connectors and low amperage. I wouldn't use that fuse box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 https://www.amazon.com/OLS-6-Way-Blade-Indicator-Protection/dp/B00QMTAZ1W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495206038&sr=8-2&keywords=auxiliary+fuse+box Spade connectors and low amperage. I wouldn't use that fuse box. Yeah, those things suck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 Anything you guys would recommend that's semi water proof? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 Something like this using screw-down connections and maxi fuses. I used a 6-fuse one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/STINGER-SPD5623-0G-TO-4G-4-POSITION-MAXI-FUSE-INLINE-POWER-DISTRIBUTION-BLOCK-/360801341025 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 With those do you run multiple lines from your battery into them? Looks like 2 inputs and 4 out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 The one I used had one large fused input, with six individually MAXI fused branch circuits. I'll see if I can find it - it was years ago......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 Lol I appreciate it. Not well educated on electrical aside from knowing things should be fused coming off the battery. I found a waterproof relay/fuse box a guy sells on facebook but its around 150 bucks pre wired. Uses mini fuses it looks like though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 The one I pictured only needs one 12V input to the buss bar; it has provisions for a backup input if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-man930 Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 https://m.delcity.net/store/ISO-280-Combo-Panel-!-Partially-Bussed/p_804298.h_804299.r_IF1003?mkwid=skXzRAiBp&crid=38094426869&mp_kw=&mp_mt=&gclid=CNiJl5yq_NMCFQuraQodWZ4MvA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 https://m.delcity.net/store/ISO-280-Combo-Panel-!-Partially-Bussed/p_804298.h_804299.r_IF1003?mkwid=skXzRAiBp&crid=38094426869&mp_kw=&mp_mt=&gclid=CNiJl5yq_NMCFQuraQodWZ4MvA That's the one I was talking about except the guy wires the whole thing. Trying to upload a pic but government computers and photobucket are $#!&e Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBpunk Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 http://www.ebay.com/bhp/waterproof-relay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dzimm Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 I found an early 90s XJ fuse box to run as my Aux. It's got tons of fuses and normal sized relays so your not limited to only a few slots. I payed I think $30 or so for it, much better than the Aftermarket prices. It also fits nicely on the drivers side fender beside the airbox and master cylinder. Check it out here. About halfway down the first page. http://comancheclub.com/topic/52259-my-just-another-97-swap/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeanLemons Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 Are u talking about this guy? He does good work. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f73/custom-weatherproof-relay-fuse-boxes-226241/index2/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-man930 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 I found an early 90s XJ fuse box to run as my Aux. It's got tons of fuses and normal sized relays so your not limited to only a few slots. I payed I think $30 or so for it, much better than the Aftermarket prices.I've used junkyard GM fuse boxes from thelate 90s a couple times now for the interior (not sealed). The terminals are easy to remove and replacements are easy to find so it can be neatly re-purposed with little to no cutting & soldering. Are the XJ boxes sealed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dzimm Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 I found an early 90s XJ fuse box to run as my Aux. It's got tons of fuses and normal sized relays so your not limited to only a few slots. I payed I think $30 or so for it, much better than the Aftermarket prices.I've used junkyard GM fuse boxes from thelate 90s a couple times now for the interior (not sealed). The terminals are easy to remove and replacements are easy to find so it can be neatly re-purposed with little to no cutting & soldering. Are the XJ boxes sealed?No it isn't. You could probably make it sealed if you wanted to but really it's not all that likely to get water inside the fuse box unless you take your truck Scooba diving or get aggressive with the hose while cleaning the engine. I do understand the purpose of a sealed box and it definitely would be nice to have but I'm not too concerned about it, especially given that the primary box isn't sealed either. It's good to know GM boxes are an option for an Aux box. When searching for a replacement I found it hard to find suitable donors that had enough standard sized relays. I was lucky to happen upon the XJ one. It was definitely easy to modify, I just reused the original wires inside the box and soldered my new ones directly to them. Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-man930 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 To be clear, the GM boxes I've sourced use the ISO 280 footprint relays and such... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 To be clear, the GM boxes I've sourced use the ISO 280 footprint relays and such... Like these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-man930 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 No, those are what I've always known as "standard" relay bases (which are also ISO standardized iirc). The "280" refers to the 2.8mm male terminal width that's used on the mini (ATM) fuses; the advantage to this system is that a common female terminal is used for fuses, relays, flashers, etc. and likewise the fuse blocks are usually quite flexible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Got it - thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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