TEKNOPUG 3 Posted May 28, 2006 I'm fitting a couple of gauges in place of the stereo unit. These each have an earth and require an ignition-on power feed (for the bulbs to light up the dial faces). I also need an ignition-on power feed for an amp (just to switch it on, not to power it). The obvious solution is to use the power and earth from the now redundant stereo loom. But can I wire 3 live into the one live? Will it draw too much current? Will I need to install some fuses for the gauge bulbs? So I'm after a nice and simple, reliable fix on the best way to wire it all up. Cheers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hexhamstu 9 Posted May 28, 2006 i usually hear of people using the cigerette lighter wires? dunno if thats any help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve@cornwall 100 Posted May 28, 2006 how about direct feed from ignition switch with in-line fuses-if in doubt over do the safety? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d-9 0 Posted May 28, 2006 Why do you want to put them where the stereo is? If you need extra gauges, put them somewhere you can see them! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEKNOPUG 3 Posted May 28, 2006 (edited) Because I don't what a stereo. It got broken into a while a go and they took a crow-bar to the dash to remove the harness (and still didn't manage!). No stereo - no reason to break in. I'm gonna rig a portable Mp3 player up to an amp and put it in the console cubby-hole bit. Edited May 28, 2006 by TEKNOPUG Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEKNOPUG 3 Posted May 28, 2006 Oh yeah, and I can see them just fine from where the stereo is (mocked them up already and all is good - maybe being 6.3" helps?) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bassman 1 Posted May 28, 2006 I should imagine the gauges have a very low current requirement, in the milliamp region. Have a look at the thickness of the stereo wire that you want to use for your supply and use this link AWG to work out the current carrying capability of the wire to give you some confidence. A car radio normally has the capability to drive four speakers at around 25 Watts per speaker, which should be far more than three gauges. Do the gauges say anything about power requirement, because you can then work out the current requirement using P=VI. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEKNOPUG 3 Posted May 28, 2006 They're both Autometer gauges - so I'll look up there spec on the net. I'd imagine that it would be very low though, for a tiny bulb. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
