Power distribution blocks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
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Power distribution blocks
Didnt see an electrical section in C5 forum. Wondering if anyone has wired in a 12v distribution block. Ive got a number of things that need to be wired in and wanted to see if I could tidy up the wiring. Ive used add a circuits and spare fuse spot in passenger area before, but Ive got more things to wire up now. Spal fan, a/f gauge, meth, boost gauge w/ shift light, stereo and amp off the top of my head.
Im not sure how to do it. If I cant figure it out, guess Ill have to use the add a circuit again, but I would need several and I also dont want to overload any of them.
Im not sure how to do it. If I cant figure it out, guess Ill have to use the add a circuit again, but I would need several and I also dont want to overload any of them.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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For any fan circuits, I would personally run a dedicated power feed and relay.
I haven't had to wire as many accessories in my C5, but I have a Fox Body with electric fans and about 4 gauges. I used something along the lines of this (https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Way-Auto-...cAAOSwSYdbrNRQ) to clean up my wiring.
I'm assuming you're wanting to run the majority of this stuff off a switched 12V signal, so relays would again be your friend here. I just used a relay that tapped off a switched 12V signal from key, and then ran a wire battery to fuse block, so that the fuse block would only provide power when the key was in the ON position.
I haven't had to wire as many accessories in my C5, but I have a Fox Body with electric fans and about 4 gauges. I used something along the lines of this (https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Way-Auto-...cAAOSwSYdbrNRQ) to clean up my wiring.
I'm assuming you're wanting to run the majority of this stuff off a switched 12V signal, so relays would again be your friend here. I just used a relay that tapped off a switched 12V signal from key, and then ran a wire battery to fuse block, so that the fuse block would only provide power when the key was in the ON position.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,160
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Hmm, Im not very good with electrical although I love the link you gave. I wish I felt more comfortable wiring that up. The spal fan came with instructions so I got that covered. I might have to see about sharing some power sources again for the rest of them. Wish I had paid attention in electrical class back in the day now...
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Joined: Nov 2015
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Not my schematic, but this would guide you in the right direction if you feel comfortable enough to wire. Pin 86 would be your accessory wire (12V switched), Pin 87 would go the positive terminal on fuse block ("device" in the diagram). The negative terminal of the fuse block would go to a good ground. All other connections would be as is from the diagram.
Either way good luck!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,160
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So if I could figure that out, instead of wiring my meth to 12v switched, I could wire the relay and block to 12v switched, then just wire anything that needs 12v switched to that block.
A relay is usually plugged into something, do I just leave it unplugged and hook the wires to the relay terminals?
A relay is usually plugged into something, do I just leave it unplugged and hook the wires to the relay terminals?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 171
Oh man, I see now. I just Google relay and I see they come with wires lol. I was thinking just a plain old relay. That's how clueless I am lol.
I think I can do this. Thanks, it's starting to make sense. Can I tap into the 12v wire going to key ignition for my 12v switched?
I think I can do this. Thanks, it's starting to make sense. Can I tap into the 12v wire going to key ignition for my 12v switched?
Last edited by ascastil; Oct 5, 2018 at 10:38 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 4
Oh man, I see now. I just Google relay and I see they come with wires lol. I was thinking just a plain old relay. That's how clueless I am lol.
I think I can do this. Thanks, it's starting to make sense. Can I tap into the 12v wire going to key ignition for my 12v switched?
I think I can do this. Thanks, it's starting to make sense. Can I tap into the 12v wire going to key ignition for my 12v switched?
As far as your switched 12V, there shouldn't be any problem tapping directly off the ignition wiring. I know I prefer to do it this way just to ensure a solid connection. Keep in mind the relays are typically rated for 30A or 40A, but for gauges and things of that nature that should be more than adequately rated.
