Installing an accessory fuse box: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Electrical & Lighting]]

This is currently not visible to the general public, so make as many notations as you'd like (Ryan will have to copy and PM). My comments or questions are in '''''bold italics''''' ~~(you're welcome :) ).~~

This is currently not visible to the general public, so make as many notations as you'd like (Ryan will have to copy and PM). My comments or questions are in '''''bold italics'''''

~~'''''>>Ryan - Thanks!!!!! :P'''''~~

~~'''''We need sourcing ideas for the Bussman.'''''~~

~~'''''>>Ryan - I picked up a Bussman at my local auto parts store (Autozone) for a couple of bucks as well as the bulk of the required supplies.'''''~~

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====What kinds of boxes are there?====

There are a few different types of fuse/~~distribution blocks~~. Some distribution blocks treat each attachment point as a separate entity, requiring that power be sent directly from the battery to each connection point on the block (individual circuits)~~. The~~ [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1] ~~is like this~~. In this case you can daisy chain (make very short connections) the power wires from one connection to the next, instead of running a wire from the battery for each. This article does not cover this type, as it's more difficult to do.

There are a few different types of fuse blocks/panels. Some distribution blocks treat each attachment point as a separate entity, requiring that power be sent directly from the battery to each connection point on the block (individual circuits) like the [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1]. In this case you can daisy chain (make very short connections) the power wires from one connection to the next, instead of running a wire from the battery for each. This article does not cover this type, as it's more difficult to do.

'''''>>Ryan - At this point only refer to it as a fuse block, fuse panel, etc. to avoid confusion to the previously mentioned and non-ideal distribution block. Change sentence "...to each connection point on the block (individual circuits). The [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1] is like this" to "to each connection point on the block (individual circuits) like the [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1]."'''''

The [http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Fuseboxes/FB-4/fb-4.html Eastern Beaver FB-4] also works this way, but it comes in a kit with everything wired for you. This is the easiest reasonably-priced box to use if you haven't done this sort of thing before.

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*[[Waterproofing your electrical connections|Dielectric grease]] - again optional, but a very good idea.

====Finding a mounting location====

The first thing to tackle is finding a place for your new fuse box. This does not mean that you should mount it yet. As always, try to test everything before mounting, in the interest of saving time if something gets hooked up wrong.

====Hooking it up====

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For the purposes of this article, we will be following the installation of the Bussman 15600. If you are using one of the Eastern Beaver units, hook the relay up the same, then [http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Fuseboxes/FB-4/Install/install.html follow their directions]. Mounting will be virtually the same as with the Bussman.

Once you get all the wires in place, it's simply a matter of finding a place for the box & its relay and mounting them. As always, try to test everything before mounting, in the interest of saving time if something gets hooked up wrong.

~~'''''>>Ryan - Is there any explaining necessary for "Once you get all the wires in place"?'''''~~

***this is to make them feel better and more confident (electronics scare lots of people; something you guys don't always understand). This line is not essential.

'''''Does it need to be spelled out where to route everything?'''''

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[[image:buss-10.jpg|100px]]

Make sure all the connections are connected, mounting points tightened, and you're done. Our home mechanic says, "My Bussman setup cost me about $15, including the relay, wiring and end connections. I've been very happy with it. I've had no averse weather issues with its 'open' design. The two factors that have helped make that occur are its location and the use of dielectric grease."

Make sure all the connections are connected, mounting points tightened, and you're done. Our home mechanic says, "My Bussman setup cost me about $15, including the relay, wiring and end connections. I've been very happy with it. I've had no averse weather issues with its 'open' design. The two factors that have helped make that occur are its location and the use of [[Waterproofing your electrical connections|dielectric grease]]."

~~'''''>>Ryan - maybe a nice link to the waterproofing page here (in addition to the one up top): http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Waterproofing_your_electrical_connections'''''~~

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Category:Electrical & Lighting]]
-This is currently not visible to the general public, so make as many notations as you'd like (Ryan will have to copy and PM). My comments or questions are in '''''bold italics''''' (you're welcome :) ).
+This is currently not visible to the general public, so make as many notations as you'd like (Ryan will have to copy and PM). My comments or questions are in '''''bold italics'''''
-'''''>>Ryan - Thanks!!!!! :P'''''
-'''''We need sourcing ideas for the Bussman.'''''
-'''''>>Ryan - I picked up a Bussman at my local auto parts store (Autozone) for a couple of bucks as well as the bulk of the required supplies.'''''
@@ Line 20: / Line 14: @@
 ====What kinds of boxes are there?====
-There are a few different types of fuse/distribution blocks. Some distribution blocks treat each attachment point as a separate entity, requiring that power be sent directly from the battery to each connection point on the block (individual circuits). The [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1] is like this. In this case you can daisy chain (make very short connections) the power wires from one connection to the next, instead of running a wire from the battery for each. This article does not cover this type, as it's more difficult to do.
+There are a few different types of fuse blocks/panels. Some distribution blocks treat each attachment point as a separate entity, requiring that power be sent directly from the battery to each connection point on the block (individual circuits) like the [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1]. In this case you can daisy chain (make very short connections) the power wires from one connection to the next, instead of running a wire from the battery for each. This article does not cover this type, as it's more difficult to do.
-'''''>>Ryan - At this point only refer to it as a fuse block, fuse panel, etc. to avoid confusion to the previously mentioned and non-ideal distribution block. Change sentence "...to each connection point on the block (individual circuits). The [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1] is like this" to "to each connection point on the block (individual circuits) like the [http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/panels/ap1.shtml Centech AP1]."'''''
 The [http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Fuseboxes/FB-4/fb-4.html Eastern Beaver FB-4] also works this way, but it comes in a kit with everything wired for you. This is the easiest reasonably-priced box to use if you haven't done this sort of thing before.
@@ Line 65: / Line 57: @@
 *[[Waterproofing your electrical connections|Dielectric grease]] - again optional, but a very good idea.
+====Finding a mounting location====
+The first thing to tackle is finding a place for your new fuse box. This does not mean that you should mount it yet. As always, try to test everything before mounting, in the interest of saving time if something gets hooked up wrong.
 ====Hooking it up====
@@ Line 70: / Line 68: @@
 For the purposes of this article, we will be following the installation of the Bussman 15600. If you are using one of the Eastern Beaver units, hook the relay up the same, then [http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Fuseboxes/FB-4/Install/install.html follow their directions]. Mounting will be virtually the same as with the Bussman.
-Once you get all the wires in place, it's simply a matter of finding a place for the box & its relay and mounting them. As always, try to test everything before mounting, in the interest of saving time if something gets hooked up wrong.
-'''''>>Ryan - Is there any explaining necessary for "Once you get all the wires in place"?'''''
-***this is to make them feel better and more confident (electronics scare lots of people; something you guys don't always understand). This line is not essential.
 '''''Does it need to be spelled out where to route everything?'''''
@@ Line 183: / Line 178: @@
 [[image:buss-10.jpg|100px]]
-Make sure all the connections are connected, mounting points tightened, and you're done. Our home mechanic says, "My Bussman setup cost me about $15, including the relay, wiring and end connections. I've been very happy with it.  I've had no averse weather issues with its 'open' design. The two factors that have helped make that occur are its location and the use of dielectric grease."
+Make sure all the connections are connected, mounting points tightened, and you're done. Our home mechanic says, "My Bussman setup cost me about $15, including the relay, wiring and end connections. I've been very happy with it.  I've had no averse weather issues with its 'open' design. The two factors that have helped make that occur are its location and the use of [[Waterproofing your electrical connections|dielectric grease]]."
-'''''>>Ryan - maybe a nice link to the waterproofing page here (in addition to the one up top): http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Waterproofing_your_electrical_connections'''''