Electrical question/help please...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 340
Likes: 1
From: St. Clair Shores Michigan
Electrical question/help please...
I have installed an electric fan that draws 16.5 amps. originally I wired it to the fuse box under dash, didn't like this so I ran it right to battery. I am using a 30amp toggle switch so I can run the fan a bit after shut down, but with this direct wiring to battery + cable end my battery gage in dash now is reading a - (neg) when the fun is turned on and the needle is bouncing.....oh the ground is in the engine bay and is good. :confused:
I could just go back to the fuse box I guess.....is there a power source there that is always hot ?
Thanks in advance
I could just go back to the fuse box I guess.....is there a power source there that is always hot ?
Thanks in advance
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Haddon Heights NJ
Re: Electrical question/help please... (motown 71)
Anything that works when the car is off(brake lights, headlights,tec) is always hot in the fuse panel, make sure you hook it up to the right side so if the fuse blows the fan won't run and won't fry anything. :U
But i would suggest finding another way
But i would suggest finding another way
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: Electrical question/help please... (motown 71)
You can take power off the alternator. It will easily supply 16A even with the engine off. Do yourself a favor and use an inline fuse though. Mount a relay close to the fan. Pull an always hot wire from the fusebox to your switch, then to the relay. Very little current will go through the switch, just enough to pull the relay. The relay powers the fan with power from the alternator.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Aptos, CA.
Re: Electrical question/help please... (motown 71)
Here's how you should wire a fan. Use a relay, it's much safer. :thumbs:
http://www.weendoggy.com/wiring.htm
[Modified by weendoggy, 6:49 AM 4/30/2004]
[Modified by weendoggy, 6:50 AM 4/30/2004]
http://www.weendoggy.com/wiring.htm
[Modified by weendoggy, 6:49 AM 4/30/2004]
[Modified by weendoggy, 6:50 AM 4/30/2004]
