Omnipotent Octopus

I bought some gauges and I tapped into the stereo illumination and power wires to test one of them to make sure it worked, but that obviously isn't going to work or look clean when I have lots more accessories and gauges hooked up.

I want to know how I can add a secondary fuse box for all of my things so that they ONLY work in the acc position or on/running.

Also I want a setup for my gauges and switches so I can have a central little area/box to connect everything that needs illumination instead of having 4+ wires tapped into the stereo illumination wire.

I have basic wiring skills, but I want to learn more and do everything correctly this time around. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

XJ-92

you could just plug into the fuse panel, just find some empty slots and plug in. those are only on when the key is turned.

Omnipotent Octopus

I thought about that but I plan on having ALOT of things to hook up and I will run out quickly there. I also would like to use a stand alone box so I can mount it in a more convenient location than at the kick panel.

XJ-92

what all are you wiring up? there is usually a bunch of open spots on the factory one.

look up bleepinjeep on youtube and look for his fuse box relay center how to.

Omnipotent Octopus

That video was great, but Its way more work than I'm looking to do myself.

I will be adding a winch switch, 3 cube lights on my bumper bar with a switch, 1 light on each A pillar with a switch, light bar on the roof with a switch, mechanical fan switch, & OBA switch as of now.

The winch and lights will all need a relay.
And keep in mind that all of these switches need to be wired to an illumination source..

Lastly I will have 3 gauges, all of which also need the illumination & a power source.

I am looking to use something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Relay-fuse-auxiliary-distribution-box-block-jeep-Cooper-Bussman/221414999933?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222006%26algo%3DSIC.FITP%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D21398%26meid%3D6249731740344107028%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D9407%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D221362572335
but I still dont understand how to make it only work on ACC or Run position. And I still need an idea for how to do my illumination for everything.

BlueRidgeMark

You need a relay to swich your accessory power.

1. Get yourself a
   fuse block
   fuse block
   .
2. Decide where you want to put it.
3. Run power from the battery to your new relay near your new fuse block. Make sure you fuse this power lead at the battery!!!
4. Run a lead from an unused slot on your stock fuse block. Pick one that is hot when the ignition is on or in accessory positing.
5. Use that lead to activate your relay to power your fuse block.
6. Connect all your new accessories to the new fuse block.

Now you have a good strong source for power that is switched on the ignition.

How to connect the relay? Here ya go!

http://www.the12volt.com/relays/relays.asp

macgyver35

Mark has got you covered here. the only things I would add:

Rubber grommets are your friends. Use them for any wires passing through sheet metal.

Be aware that most commonly available SPST automotive relays are rated at 25 to 30 amps of current. You can get ones rated higher if you need to for everything you'll run off the new fuse box, just pay attention to the rating of the one you buy.

Omnipotent Octopus

Thanks BlueRidgeMark & macgyver35! It makes so much since now.

I am still wondering about illumination though..
Can I tap the stereo illumination and run that to a separate relay and then connect all of my gauges to that also?