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07-10-2014, 12:09 AM
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#1 | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
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| Need a 12v switched source for LED lights
Hello all and thanks in advance for your help. I drive a 2008 Acura CSX-S.
I bought LED DRL lights and I have a wiring harness to wire everything up. My wiring harness draws power from the car's battery to run the LEDs so what I need now is a 12v switched source that turns hot when the ignition is on and cold when the ignition is off. Ideally, this switched source would be located in the engine bay and close to the car battery.
I have fog lights and have thought about tapping into the fog lights but wanted to run the LED DRLs independently.
Anyways, any ideas would be appreciated.
BTW, for further clarity, I have ruled out tapping into my parking lights because I didn't want to have to "do" something to turn on my DRLs. But if there's no other way to have a switched 12v power source in the engine bay, then tapping into my parking lights is Plan B.
Thanks.
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07-10-2014, 05:56 AM
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#2 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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At the fuse box, find a fuse that is part of a circuit that comes on with ignition. Tap into that using an "add-a-circuit" fuse tap. Amazon.com: Littelfuse FHA200BP ATO Add-A-Circuit Kit: Automotive
The add a circuit things are rated 10 amp, so pick a fuse location that uses 10 amps or less. Just to be safe. Also, make sure you purchase the right size add-a-circuit for your fuse panel. ATM, most likely, for your car.
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07-10-2014, 06:17 AM
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#3 | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Jul 2007
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by MG1 At the fuse box, find a fuse that is part of a circuit that comes on with ignition. Tap into that using an "add-a-circuit" fuse tap. Amazon.com: Littelfuse FHA200BP ATO Add-A-Circuit Kit: Automotive
The add a circuit things are rated 10 amp, so pick a fuse location that uses 10 amps or less. Just to be safe. Also, make sure you purchase the right size add-a-circuit for your fuse panel. ATM, most likely, for your car. | That's a pretty good option and worth considering. I'll see if I can find this "add-a-circuit" thing locally before buying it from Amazon. Do you think a place like Lordco would sell this?
Anybody else with a different idea? Would like to consider all available options before choosing one.
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07-10-2014, 06:28 AM
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#4 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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Lordco for sure and so does Canadian Tire. I've even seen them in Walmart.
If you're getting it at Lordco and don't have an account, use Revscene's account. It's not a very big discount, but a discount nonetheless. Just say Revscene as account name.
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07-10-2014, 06:31 AM
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#5 | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 319
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by MG1 At the fuse box, find a fuse that is part of a circuit that comes on with ignition. Tap into that using an "add-a-circuit" fuse tap. Amazon.com: Littelfuse FHA200BP ATO Add-A-Circuit Kit: Automotive
The add a circuit things are rated 10 amp, so pick a fuse location that uses 10 amps or less. Just to be safe. Also, make sure you purchase the right size add-a-circuit for your fuse panel. ATM, most likely, for your car. | What does "ATM" mean in your sentence above?
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07-10-2014, 07:53 AM
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#7 | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Here's a picture from my owner's manual of the under the hood fuse box.
To which fuse would you recommend that I plug in the "Add-a-Circuit" kit? |
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07-10-2014, 08:06 AM
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#8 | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: y
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by adrnlnrush00 That's a pretty good option and worth considering. I'll see if I can find this "add-a-circuit" thing locally before buying it from Amazon. Do you think a place like Lordco would sell this?
Anybody else with a different idea? Would like to consider all available options before choosing one. | lordco has these for roughly $10.99
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07-10-2014, 11:30 AM
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#9 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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^^ I would suggest audio amp circuit. Is there another fuse panel, by any chance?
Edit: that's you under hood fuse box. There's one under the dash somewhere. I was wondering why the usual suspects were missing.
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07-10-2014, 11:35 AM
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#10 | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Jul 2007
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by MG1 ^^ I would suggest audio amp circuit. Is there another fuse panel, by any chance? | There is not another fuse panel within the engine bay. The other panel is in the cabin by the driver's side footwell.
BTW, I picked up the "add-a-circuit" kit at Lordco. Based on your earlier post, I thought I'm supposed to pick a fuse that's 10A because that's the rating for the circuit kit. Is it okay then that I add the 10A kit to the 15A audio amp line?
Thanks for all the help; this is really useful stuff.
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07-10-2014, 01:07 PM
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#11 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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I should have read your original post more closely. I was thinking of running the trigger wire from inside the cabin.
Here's yet another alternative. I like this idea better. I've seen this before years ago but couldn't find it again until now. The Access
Click on the "Instructions" link to get an idea of how it works.
Imma gonna order me some, LOL.
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07-10-2014, 01:21 PM
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#12 | To me, there is the Internet and there is RS
Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Okanagan
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^ leaving the quick connect uncovered
__________________ 1991 Toyota Celica GTFour RC // 2007 Toyota Rav4 V6 // 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1992 Toyota Celica GT-S ["sold"] \\ 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD [sold] \\ 2000 Jeep Cherokee [sold] \\ 1997 Honda Prelude [sold] \\ 1992 Jeep YJ [sold/crashed] \\ 1987 Mazda RX-7 [sold] \\ 1987 Toyota Celica GT-S [crushed] Quote:
Originally Posted by maksimizer half those dudes are hotter than ,my GF. | Quote:
Originally Posted by RevYouUp reading this thread is like waiting for goku to charge up a spirit bomb in dragon ball z | Quote:
Originally Posted by Good_KarMa OH thank god. I thought u had sex with my wife. :cry: | |
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07-10-2014, 02:23 PM
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#13 | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 319
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by MG1 I should have read your original post more closely. I was thinking of running the trigger wire from inside the cabin.
Here's yet another alternative. I like this idea better. I've seen this before years ago but couldn't find it again until now. The Access
Click on the "Instructions" link to get an idea of how it works.
Imma gonna order me some, LOL. | The alternative sounds acceptable; however, I liked your idea of the add-a-circuit kit better. Besides, I've already picked up the add-a-circuit kit from Lordco during lunch today.
Can't wait to get home so that I can test fit the wire harness and fuse box connections.
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07-10-2014, 05:15 PM
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#14 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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Originally Posted by underscore ^ leaving the quick connect uncovered | I assume the user would connect the exposed quick connect. That is the purpose of the fuse in the first place. I would use a flag quick disconnect on something like that to save space, although they say you can bend the male end over. I love the way their ATC one swivels down. In any case, it sure beats those fuse taps that go around the fuse body.
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07-10-2014, 09:51 PM
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#15 | To me, there is the Internet and there is RS
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Leaving any kind of electrical exposed is stupid, the problem I have with those funky fuses is that if one blows you're SOL unless you have another one. And if you blow only one half it's worthless.
__________________ 1991 Toyota Celica GTFour RC // 2007 Toyota Rav4 V6 // 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1992 Toyota Celica GT-S ["sold"] \\ 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD [sold] \\ 2000 Jeep Cherokee [sold] \\ 1997 Honda Prelude [sold] \\ 1992 Jeep YJ [sold/crashed] \\ 1987 Mazda RX-7 [sold] \\ 1987 Toyota Celica GT-S [crushed] Quote:
Originally Posted by maksimizer half those dudes are hotter than ,my GF. | Quote:
Originally Posted by RevYouUp reading this thread is like waiting for goku to charge up a spirit bomb in dragon ball z | Quote:
Originally Posted by Good_KarMa OH thank god. I thought u had sex with my wife. :cry: | |
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07-11-2014, 05:10 PM
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#16 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by underscore Leaving any kind of electrical exposed is stupid, the problem I have with those funky fuses is that if one blows you're SOL unless you have another one. And if you blow only one half it's worthless. | I'm not sure why you would think anyone would install one of those fuses without using them as designed.
As for blown fuses, if the main one blew, it wouldn't be because of the added accessory as it is on a separate part of the fuse.
I carry spare fuses with me all the time. On top of the spares that are on the fuse box next to the useless fuse puller. Which is funny because I rarely have to replace fuses, just other people's.
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07-14-2014, 09:07 AM
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#17 | To me, there is the Internet and there is RS
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I understand that the two fused links are separate, but if you pop one link you can't fix it without replacing the whole thing with another funky fuse. With those add a circuit things you're using standard fuses that you can get anywhere.
You'd also have to be sure you'll have room for that thing sticking straight out, some fuse box covers sit pretty close to the fuses.
__________________ 1991 Toyota Celica GTFour RC // 2007 Toyota Rav4 V6 // 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1992 Toyota Celica GT-S ["sold"] \\ 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD [sold] \\ 2000 Jeep Cherokee [sold] \\ 1997 Honda Prelude [sold] \\ 1992 Jeep YJ [sold/crashed] \\ 1987 Mazda RX-7 [sold] \\ 1987 Toyota Celica GT-S [crushed] Quote:
Originally Posted by maksimizer half those dudes are hotter than ,my GF. | Quote:
Originally Posted by RevYouUp reading this thread is like waiting for goku to charge up a spirit bomb in dragon ball z | Quote:
Originally Posted by Good_KarMa OH thank god. I thought u had sex with my wife. :cry: | |
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07-14-2014, 05:58 PM
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#18 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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Originally Posted by underscore You'd also have to be sure you'll have room for that thing sticking straight out, some fuse box covers sit pretty close to the fuses. | About the same as using an add-a-circuit, maybe less, because you can bend the tab right over, so it is the thickness of the quick disconnect. The add-a-circuit adds quite a bit of height.
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07-14-2014, 11:10 PM
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#19 | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Jul 2007
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So just to update this thread:
I purchased the add-a-circuit from Lordco for $11. Hooking it up to my fuse box was super simple; however, no matter which fuse I connected the add-a-circuit, my LEDs would stay on regardless of whether my ignition was on or off.
See the picture below of how I wired it up under Plan A.
So I decided to go with Plan B, which in hindsight, made more sense and enabled me to turn on/off the LED DRLs with my parking light switch.
Here's how I wired it up.
Here's what the finished product looks like.
A night time shot that same evening that I wired everything up and finished my installation.
A day time shot the following morning.
Thanks everyone for your tips/advice. I really appreciated the help.
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07-15-2014, 05:56 AM
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#20 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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^did you switch the add-a-fuse around?
One side of the fuse connector on the panel is always hot and the other is not. Just turn the add-a-circuit 180 degrees and see if that works. The Original USA manufactured & patented ATC/ATO add a circuit/line/tap Fuse Plug
Check out link. Damn, you can order the add-a-fuse for $2.10 each!!! Directly from the manufacturer.
Too good to be true? I'll order a few and let you guys know. I install stuff for friends all the time, so a few lying around is a good thing.
EDIT: $3.82 shipping to anywhere in US via USPS First Class mail. Lynden, Wa 24/7 Shipping has $1.00 shipping promo on this month, so not bad a deal. I should order two dozen and sell them at a profit to RS members, LOL. NOT, I don't want mods getting upset at me. I've send e-mail to them to see if they have the low profile mini add-a-fuse in stock. If they do, I'll order some then. I have a few mini and regular add-a-fuse in my garage, so in no hurry.
Last edited by MG1; 07-15-2014 at 06:11 AM.
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09-05-2014, 09:33 PM
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#21 | RS Lurker, I don't post!
Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Maple Ridge
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I do not know if this is exactly the proper way to do it, but what i did was ran wiring from my battery, through switches at my center constole, and then to what ever i wanted
i have 4 switches in the 4 pop outs, located in the center constole of my integra.
1 for my dual cigerette lighter jack ( lets face it, 1 is never enough )
1 for my fog lights
1 for my underglow, and grill leds
and 1 last one for glow on the inside of my car.
If you have questions u can just Pm me, or come check out my Teg at the thursday night meets, and i'll gladly show you the way i have done it.
P.S - For my fog lights i have a fuse wired in on the posative line, since they draw a fair amount of power, its better to play safe and put a fuse in.
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09-05-2014, 09:48 PM
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#22 | The Brown Reason
Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Whalley
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I would love to be on drugs and in your car
__________________ Quote:
Originally Posted by bcrdukes fuck this shit, i'm out | |
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09-05-2014, 10:39 PM
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#23 | Even when im right, revscene.net is still right!
Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: yvr
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by MG1 ^did you switch the add-a-fuse around?
One side of the fuse connector on the panel is always hot and the other is not. Just turn the add-a-circuit 180 degrees and see if that works. The Original USA manufactured & patented ATC/ATO add a circuit/line/tap Fuse Plug
Check out link. Damn, you can order the add-a-fuse for $2.10 each!!! Directly from the manufacturer.
Too good to be true? I'll order a few and let you guys know. I install stuff for friends all the time, so a few lying around is a good thing.
EDIT: $3.82 shipping to anywhere in US via USPS First Class mail. Lynden, Wa 24/7 Shipping has $1.00 shipping promo on this month, so not bad a deal. I should order two dozen and sell them at a profit to RS members, LOL. NOT, I don't want mods getting upset at me. I've send e-mail to them to see if they have the low profile mini add-a-fuse in stock. If they do, I'll order some then. I have a few mini and regular add-a-fuse in my garage, so in no hurry. | Did you end up buying any?
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09-05-2014, 11:32 PM
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#24 | Fathered more RS members than anybody else. Who's your daddy?
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Originally Posted by Speed2K Did you end up buying any? | Yup. They came in pretty quick. Gotta love the United States Postal Service.
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09-06-2014, 01:35 AM
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#25 | Banned (ABWS)
Join Date: Sep 2014
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Tap into that using an "add-a-circuit" fuse tap. |
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