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Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 06 Nov 2009, 19:47
by nesty
I am planning to put some extra electrics into my T3. Fog-lights extra set of driving lights etc.

However I want to run these off my Leisure battery. I know it's normal to wire directly from the battery via in line fuse. However, I already got a few things pegged straight off the Leisure battery terminal. It's getting a bit cluttered around the terminal already.

Is it possible (has anyone done this) to wire in a 2nd fusebox off the Leisure Battery, so I can just connect items straight to the new fusebox.

If anyone has done this can you let me know.

Thanks

Nesty

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 06 Nov 2009, 20:36
by bigherb
Something like this

Image

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 06 Nov 2009, 21:10
by CovKid
Chickenkoop and I have done the same as BigHerb. They're about £7 in most motor accessory places. Fuses - pound shop!

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 07 Nov 2009, 10:20
by nesty
Yeah thanks for this.

Seen a couple of 8 and 12 gang fuseboxs on ebay. Just gonna get one of those, then decide where to mount it.

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 07 Nov 2009, 11:48
by hixsy
mines like this dude, nice and tidy and much easier to identify why somethings not working....

Image

heres the link for ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/10-way-Std-Fusebo ... 5ad481650a

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 07 Nov 2009, 12:47
by Cafnod
Hi Nesty
You can fit as many fuseboxs as you wish. You will need to make the cable between the battery and the fusebox of a heavy enough rating to take the total amount of current for the fusebox;- If you have a ten way fusebox with ten amp fuses then you will need to make the cable 100amps minimum. Try to keep the cable run between the fusebox and battery as short as reasonably possible, to avoid voltage drop. An isolator for the battery is a good idea as any problems you can turn the power off without having to get a spanner to disconnect a clamp or even open the battery box. Another good idea is a strip fuse (these are heavy duty fuses) in between the battery and the fusebox. Again this should be close to the battery. That way if the cable between the battery and fusebox gets damaged it will blow the strip fuse rather than short out until something catches fire. Anything you cannot readily find on ebay or elsewhere is probably available from vehicle wiring products, they are a bit dearer than some places but the service and the quality of the gear is spot on.
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... mepage.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
HTH
Richard

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 07 Nov 2009, 13:15
by nesty
Cheers many thanks for this.

Question. The wire from the battery to the fuse box. I was going to purchase decent ampage. However, if I had say a 4 gang fusebox. Does that mean I have to have 4 separate wires running from the battery?

I see in the picture there is several wires running into the fusebox, but wasn't sure if I could have one wire into the fusebox to power 4 conections. I just want to cut down the amount of wires off the battery and tidy that up!

Btw nice I.C.E :D

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 07 Nov 2009, 13:31
by CovKid
No you can run one cable from batt and link from one terminal to the other on one side of the fusebox. That would work fine as long as links are good.

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 07 Nov 2009, 18:44
by Cafnod
As Ralph says, get one piece of cable and run it to the box then use either a busbar to feed the other inputs or link short lengths of cable to daisy chain the other inputs one input only necessary but the master fuse and the isolator will make it virtually failsafe.

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 10 Nov 2009, 19:52
by nesty
Many thanks for all the replies. Been looking at this fusebox. A bit more pricey, but would make the wiring and hooking up of extra items a nice doddle, with busbar and earthing points.

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... o/5026.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I thought might have some space in the battery compartment, but not much there. Alternative looking to cut a bit of the glovebox away and mounting the above fusebox next to existing fusebox. Though for my extra electrial items will need a place to house my extra relays! :roll:

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 10 Nov 2009, 22:30
by Ian Hulley
The later vans have a front fog light setting on the fog light switch where you can pick up a feed to a relay ... why re-invent the wheel ?

Ian

Re: Extra fusebox (can it be fitted)

Posted: 10 Nov 2009, 22:57
by nesty
Mine is a 1984 Holdsworth. Don't think I have that option?