Want to add aux fuse box

[Mike from MI]

Planning on add aux fuse box to run some LEDs and maybe a couple other accessories.
Here what I'm thinking I want do use in line fuse to 30amp relay to power fuse box, hook in keyed switch so the box only has power with key on.
Is this the proper way to do this or am I missing something. Also does it matter where I mount the relay- near to batty or can I go ahead on mount by the new box.
Any thoughts on this good or bad please respond.

Thanks Mike

 

[Dave M7040]

Instead of the 20 amp fuse I would suggest a fusible link.
The fusible link tolerates continual high loads close to its rated value whereas an inline fuse often overheats its contacts and fails.
Read about them at the following link.
They are cheap and very reliable.
Weather Pack Environmentally Sealed Connectors | Weatherpack Terminals and Seals | White Products Cleveland Ohio
Dave m7040

 

[skyhook]

I would have "two" relays, one for each feed of "three fuses",( top three and bottom three) your key switch can turn both on.
One relay won't handle all that power if you decided to use 4 to 5 fused accessories at once.
I would also upgrade your 20 amp fuse to at least 40 or 60.
I'm assuming your fuse box will have 15 amp fuses in it.
Mount your relays near the fuse box. IMO

 

[tomcat7359]

Have you thought about using a "resettable" circuit breaker instead of fuse or fusible link? If you do overload, you don't have to replace anything. I use them all the time with great success.

 

[Mike from MI]

I would have "two" relays, one for each feed of "three fuses",( top three and bottom three) your key switch can turn both on. One relay won't handle all that power if you decided to use 4 to 5 fused accessories at once. I would also upgrade your 20 amp fuse to at least 40 or 60. I'm assuming your fuse box will have 15 amp fuses in it. Mount your relays near the fuse box. IMO

So i should run wires as pictured above just double it and add larger fuse able link on each run?

 

[Black Max]

Here is a picture that's close to what you are wanting to do... I used a 12v switch instead of using an aux feed for my relay. I do not have an accessory position on my key switch and some things are nice to have without the tractor running, your choice. Just put the fusible link between the battery positive (within twelve inches)and relay and your good. My relay is a 40a with a 40a fusible link. I would use two relays and links if you draw more power from your new fuse panel.

 

[Mike from MI]

Here is a picture that's close to what you are wanting to do... I used a 12v switch instead of using an aux feed for my relay. I do not have an accessory position on my key switch and some things are nice to have without the tractor running, your choice. Just put the fusible link between the battery positive (within twelve inches)and relay and your good. My relay is a 40a with a 40a fusible link. I would use two relays and links if you draw more power from your new fuse panel. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/customization/404867-want-add-aux-fuse-box-image-jpg"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/customization/404868-want-add-aux-fuse-box-image-jpg"/>

Thanks that should work for me. As of right know I'll want to run some led lights and maybe a power outlet.

 

[skyhook]

So i should run wires as pictured above just double it and add larger fuse able link on each run?

Nope, not needed on "each run" just one fuse, just like you have it, but larger,
I personally don't like fusible links, there hard to see when they blow, and you have to re-wire new one's in. Thats what I would do.
You can get large 40 or 60 amp fuses just like the little ones.
BlackMax doesn't have as many fuses as you have, something to think about.

 

[Mike from MI]

Nope, not needed on "each run" just one fuse, just like you have it, but larger, I personally don't like fusible links, there hard to see when they blow, and you have to re-wire new one's in. Thats what I would do. You can get large 40 or 60 amp fuses just like the little ones. BlackMax doesn't have as many fuses as you have, something to think about.

So just upgrade to 40 or 60 amp fuse and relay and should be good to go? Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure I do it right and not damage anything.

 

[Scrambler82]

Painless Wiring has a unit called the Circuit Boss, comes in two sizes, Both panels are relay controlled, one has through circuits.
units are well build, a little pricey but are easy to install in there small package.




Blue Seas has a great line of waterproof circuit panels that can be controlled by our relay. These are made for Marine applications. There are a few of them with different number of circuits.
Also, you add the relay and wiring to feed this unit so it is your call for the total amperage you set it up for.
100 amp total, 30 amps per circuit.



I run two Painless Wiring Circuit Boss units in my off-road vehicles, an '82 Jeep Scrambler, I will be adding one to my latest truck to make the wiring of lights a lot easier and was thinking about adding one to the tractor.
This type of unit simplifies the overall install of lighting, 12v power outlets and any 12 v device but most of all the basic wiring I the unit is done for you and the finished project looks better, cleaner and makes it look like the installer, me, look likes I know what I am doing.

 

[wmonroe]

A Painless wiring kit is what I used, about $70 but well worth it. So far it is only powering some lights and a 12 volt plug but I want to add a circuit for my sprayer and Mayberry a trailer light connection with brakes.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

I have wired a lot of our aux lighting like the attached. We mount the relay close to the lights, run the power directly to the battery through a fuse. Then control the ground side of the relay with small 22 awg wire. Also leaves short run for power. This way we only have to run small single wire into or up to the cab, use small switch and find our ground. Now if you have to have things only work with ignition on going to get tricky. :confused2:

here is link to sealed relay and connector
Hella 7794307 20/40A Skirted Mini Relay w/ Mounting Bracket
ISO MINI WEATHERPROOF RELAY CONNECTOR WITH 12" LEADS - 75610

 

[Mike from MI]

I have wired a lot of our aux lighting like the attached. We mount the relay close to the lights, run the power directly to the battery through a fuse. Then control the ground side of the relay with small 22 awg wire. Also leaves short run for power. This way we only have to run small single wire into or up to the cab, use small switch and find our ground. Now if you have to have things only work with ignition on going to get tricky. :confused2: here is link to sealed relay and connector Hella 7794307 20/40A Skirted Mini Relay w/ Mounting Bracket ISO MINI WEATHERPROOF RELAY CONNECTOR WITH 12" LEADS - 75610 <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/customization/404946-want-add-aux-fuse-box-relay-ground-act-jpg"/>

That's what I was planning on doing at first. Then thought it would be nice just to add a box that way if I want to add more accessories I won't have a bunch of lines running from battery to where ever I need power.

 

[Farmall45b]

I installed an aux. fuse block on my b2320. What I did was figure out how much current all the circuits I wanted to add ( or might decide to add) would be. I then ran a wire from B+ of the appropriate size for current needed to an ISO relay. I fused this wire as close to the battery as possible with a fuse appropriate for the size wire I was using. I controlled the ISO relay with key on power so that the relay would power the aux. fuse block when the key was on. I then wired light ect. to the aux. fuse block using wire appropriate for the load of the accessory and fused it accordingly. Fuses are meant for protecting wiring and is what should be used here. Circuit breakers are mean for protecting devices ( power window motor for example) and should be used to protect the component on a fused circuit.

I have gotten a bunch of wiring supplies from Del City - Electrical Supplies & Professional Grade Wiring Products. There customer service is good, prices and quality are above average and they carry pretty much everything that you need for a project like this.

 

[skyhook]

So just upgrade to 40 or 60 amp fuse and relay and should be good to go? Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure I do it right and not damage anything.

Those kits that others have posted are nice, you could go that route also, but if you already have the stuff you showed, it's your call.
Yes, you should be good to go, start with a 40 amp, and depending on what ever you add later, you can upgrade to a 60. Proper wire size is important that matches the circuit is also important, as stated.
You'll want to keep these fuses out of the elements (weather).
If you do add more "aux" circuits to your fuse box later, depending on what you add, you can also add more relays for that circuit, if needed.