how to wire up new electrics?

[tomothy94]

i currently have a cigarette lighter with an inverter connected directly to the battery... with an inline fuse of course. however i was just wondering how i would go about doing this 'properly' because i would like it so it only comes on when the engine is on - this would mean i don't have to keep turning it on and off. there are wires and spare terminals next to the regulator box but i can't seem to work out how to use them... help?

[PSL184]

Take the current live feed of the permanent live it is attached to and put it on a feed that is only live with ignition on. Test for the feeds with a meter or test light. If you are not 100% sure, get a pro or someone who knows what they are doing as the whole lot could go up in flames !!!

[simmitc]

Depending on the size of the inverter, you might need to use a relay to supply it - you don't want to switch too high a current direct through the ignition switch.

[MarkyB]

What are you using the inverter for?

[tomothy94]

for a set of speakers i have on the parcel shelf - cannot afford a car radio, speakers, ariel and bracket etc, and as i have just installed an alternator i don't see why an inverter should be a problem the inverter is 75w which is quite small really

[PSL184]

Is it just me or any one else confused

[beero]

Sorry, but electrics are a bit like brakes. Dont muck about with them unless you have some basic knowledge otherwise you can be in big trouble.

[kennatt]

well I don't realy know what you are trying to do but the answer is simple ,go to a caravan /campling shop and buy a relay that they use on motor caravans,its simple to fit with the instructions supplied,it works by only switching on when it recieves 13volts, so can't supply the add on untill the engine is running. If you wire it through a live after the ignition is switched on then you still have the same problem if the add ons are switched on,they will draw current as soon as you switch on the ignition.

[autolycus]

simmitc and beero are absolutely right. The thought that you are also talking about running 240v wiring in your car is of some concern.

Kennatt's advice would be excellent for someone with a little more familiarity with electrics.

Kevin

[bmcecosse]

Just stick with the fag socket - it's safer. And make sure it is fed from a fused/ignition switched supply - so that's a GREEN wire at the fuse box. Do they not teech basic electricity at skool these days ???

[tomothy94]

it's running straight to the battery, and there is an inline fuse. in fact i fitted two. i just wanted to know why my terminals weren't giving any power, but it doesn't matter any more, i'm happy with the way i've done it, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. thankyou anyway.

[bmcecosse]

[tomothy94]

i really don't understand why you seem to think that wiring straight to the battery is a problem. it's basically the same principle as using a terminal.

[beero]

Why ask for advice and then ignore that advice? I stand by what I said in an earlier post.

[bmcecosse]

Stand well back when it bursts in to flames........ cf Williams Garage today at the GP.....

[tomothy94]

okay i apologise for being arsey up there... i think i am just going to split the wire that runs to the fuel pump. that sound alright?

[tomothy94]

the only problem i have is earthing.. i'm just unsure of where exactly to put the negative wire :/

[PSL184]

the only problem i have is earthing.. i'm just unsure of where exactly to put the negative wire :/

Screw it under the dash or any other bit of bodywork. Any ign live cable will be fine for power (with an in line fuse, of course).

[tomothy94]

does it matter which wire the inline fuse is on? its currently on the negative one attached to the battery.

[PSL184]

Should be on the LIVE wire