Is it safe (or recommended) to tap into the 12v line going to the head unit for interior accessory lighting applications? I'm trying to avoid having to run wire all the way from the battery to the interior if I can. I have this sneaking suspicion that doing this would somehow effect the power going to the radio, but I honestly do not know.

Thanks for any pointers!

 

Depending on how many interior lights/accessories you plan to install, you may be better off running a new (fused) line directly from the battery. If you're planning to power 1 or 2 single LEDs or something then it's probably not necessary.

It really isn't difficult to run a line from the battery. Took me all of 3 minutes when I was installing my amp wiring last night. Follow the instructions in the stickies at the top for how to wire an amp. Just feed the power wire through the rubber boot/grommet on the driver-side, under the brake cylinder. It's very visible and accessible, even to folks like me with big hands.

 

not recommended, it's a good way to blow the fuse for that circuit and/or overheat, melt, or otherwise destroy that power wire.

 

I kinda figured that was the case haha.

Thanks for the help! =)

 

i got a similar question about that. from a HU's remote line to an amp, is the MAX amp rating specified the amount that will be given no matter what, or can more power be pulled from it if you put to much load on it?
i have 2 remote wires from my HU...1 to amp, the other i want to put a fan on it.
the line is rate .11amp MAX, and the fan is .11 amps @ 12v.
is that safe ... is there a chance of the fan pulling to much power?

sorry for the jacked thread, i just thought it would have a similar answer.
thanks

 

to the original poster:
if you're not talking about something requiring too much current, there
are three extra power terminals in the under-dash fuse box - one powered
all the time, one when the ignition is on, and one when the lights are on.
see:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=93251

as for the fan, it would be safer to use the remote wire to control a relay
which would send power to the amp turn-on and fan. The remote wire is
really intended only for signaling, not powering.

 

can u send me a link to the type of relay i need. i know a lot about wiring amps and small electrical things but i have always wondered about what relays are/ how they work and hav never wired one b4. thanks

 

Everything you ever wanted to know about wiring, and more:

http://www.tpub.com/neets/

 

or alternately:
http://www.bcae1.com/

 

thanks a lot!!! so i can pick up a relay from autozone or similar? im guessing i need a spst in my case to activate the direct 12v power from the battery only when the remote power passes thru?
will all the relays at the store be for 12v or is their a special type i should look for?

Also, do i have to use a fuse....im lazy lol. i plan to use the 12v and ground directly from the wire that goes from my amp to my battery (for convienience). Is that bad? it has the amp's reccomended 40amp fuse on it.

thanks again