Question for you from newbie. - Page 2

Lyv Wire · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-2009, 08:41 AM

All really good points here !! Very informative . From what I see , most of these power points are "supposedly" rated @ a MAX of 20 AMPS. I wouldn't advise pushing it though..... I wouldn't put more than a draw of 10 to 15 amps on these . Now the cigarette sockets are sometimes MUCH lower. If it really is a cig lighter ( not just an extra 12V outlet ) they will pull about 10 Amps . Alot of vehicles nowdays have extra plug-in points but, they are NOT rated for much over 2 to 3 Amps . They work fine for phone chargers & their counterparts but, they won't pull that BIG OLE Galaxy radio with a built-in kicker.

At out terminal .....I have seen mechanics hook up a heater blower to the power posts to get a truck off the yard !!! I would rather have heat & defrost than my CB/ slip seat box . But, it SURE makes for a LONG TRIP !!

nypete · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 02:23 PM

Ok thanks guys.Lyv wire so say Ive been looking at the stryker sr-490hp would that radio require direct to the battery wiring?If so what guage?Would it damage radio or even work off the roof mounted power points in the cab?

jujuman · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 05:52 PM

Yes, that radio is gonna need to be wired direct to the battery.Any radio that puts out those kinda wattage numbers will need to go direct to the battery, if you starve those transistors from power, it will shorten there life. I think the power cord supplied is 8 gauge (im guessing here) and probably 10ft. long. If the run to the battery is much longer than the power cord supplied, you might wanna go up a size in wire to compensate for the longer run.If it were me, and had to add wire, I'd run the supplied cord towards battery, once it runs out measure the distance left. If its gonna be another 10 ft, go up a size in wire and finish the run. One other thing. ground the case of the radio to something like the cab, firewall, etc with a small piece of wire or braided ground strap. it's not hard to do and it cuts out some electrical noises you might get.

nypete · #10 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 11:54 PM

Just A thought but antwhere in the fuse box possible?

jujuman · #11 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nypete

Just A thought but antwhere in the fuse box possible?

That is possible, but I'd put it on a fuse by itself thats capable of supplying the amps needed, prolly at least an unshared 30 amp post. Just remember the importance of not starving it for power.

nypete · #12 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 12:35 PM

Can I tap into the wires feeding the fuse panel would that work?