Very basic wiring questions

[VolcomCO]

What the best way to wire up a set of gauges (tach, oil pressure, battery voltage)? Do I run one power wire from a relay (switched from a headlight "on" source) and just daisy chain the power to each gauge? Do I need to ground each gauge or daisy chain them together like the power and have 1 one ground?

Same goes for adding aux. items (CB radio, radio, 12v power, etc... ). I see people using these junction boxes on some of their wiring projects.


Is is OK to use quick disconnect connectors? What about butt connectors?

I've got a set of LED rock lights that I want to wire to one switch. Do I run one power wire around the bottom of my rig and just tap into it where I want each rock light? What do I do for the ground? Same thing as the power? Or ground the light with a short wire and a bolt or sheetmetal screw?

Like I said, these are very basic wiring questions but I looked through this section and didn't see anything that talked about the very basics.

[usmcdoc14]

6 of one half dozen of other

Low amp items like gauges = fused power to a relay switch via ignition to gauges. i will run a "main" line and just splice each gauge as I come to it, same with ground.

High amp items (anything over 10a in my opinion) each item gets a fused power to switched relay f I want it ignition on. strait fused power if I want it constant.

My rock lights are wired per side. and I just tap into the "main" as I go along. ground is to a screw at that location of light.

basics:
http://www.jkowners.com/tech/electrical/

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

6 of one half dozen of other

Low amp items like gauges = fused power to a relay switch via ignition to gauges. i will run a "main" line and just splice each gauge as I come to it, same with ground.

High amp items (anything over 10a in my opinion) each item gets a fused power to switched relay f I want it ignition on. strait fused power if I want it constant.

My rock lights are wired per side. and I just tap into the "main" as I go along. ground is to a screw at that location of light.

basics:
http://www.jkowners.com/tech/electrical/

I have been meaning to give you a shout out for this write up, well done!

[VolcomCO]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

6 of one half dozen of other

Low amp items like gauges = fused power to a relay switch via ignition to gauges. i will run a "main" line and just splice each gauge as I come to it, same with ground.

High amp items (anything over 10a in my opinion) each item gets a fused power to switched relay f I want it ignition on. strait fused power if I want it constant.

My rock lights are wired per side. and I just tap into the "main" as I go along. ground is to a screw at that location of light.

basics:
http://www.jkowners.com/tech/electrical/

Thanks for the link! Very well written.

How do I tap into a main power line for my rocklights (circled in orange)?


Sorry for the cheezy paint diagram

[VolcomCO]

OK, I found this after searching Google images. I'm guessing this would work great for my main power taps. Maybe throw a dab of solder on it. Only bad thing is I can't really get a piece of shrink wrap around that type of joint. Tape? I know you don't like tape doc

[88mitsu]

Originally Posted by VolcomCO

OK, I found this after searching Google images. I'm guessing this would work great for my main power taps. Maybe throw a dab of solder on it. Only bad thing is I can't really get a piece of shrink wrap around that type of joint. Tape? I know you don't like tape doc

I use a couple pieces of heat shrink. Don't forget to slip on the heatshrink first!

here is a crappy drawing:

[Rock Toy]

Originally Posted by 88mitsu

I use a couple pieces of heat shrink. Don't forget to slip on the heatshrink first!

here is a crappy drawing:

With all that heatshrink, why even bother with soldering?

[usmcdoc14]

Originally Posted by Rock Toy

With all that heatshrink, why even bother with soldering?

no shit

for a joint like that I use 2 pieces of adhesive lined heat shrink. one on the single wire to increase its diameter to the double wireish thick. 2nd piece over the double and the single.
The adhesive flows inbetween the wires and good to go. Solder is not "needed" for a proper connection, I just dont fuck around.


and you can get relatively good but cheap adhesive lined shrink wrap from Harbor Freight over in the "bulk pack box goods nuts bolts" section labled as "Marine Heat Shrink"

[88mitsu]

Originally Posted by Rock Toy

With all that heatshrink, why even bother with soldering?

Cause soldering makes a good joint and doesn't take that long? The only reason for all the heatshrink is it doesn't have the glue on the inside. Tape doesn't really hold up that good. I only use tape when heatshrinking might cause a fire (I use a lighter to melt the heatshrink).

Sure, a butt connector would work, but after years(or months) of water and mud that connection is going to be really corroded and nasty.

[steveh]

I like sub-panels. made this for a buddies Rhino:

Front, disti block with fuses and terminal strip




Relays mounted behind controlled by switches in the dash




Switches

[Dustin Smith]

I like switches too. I like to line them up even more.

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Originally Posted by Dustin Smith

I like switches too. I like to line them up even more.

I wasn't going to say it, but otherwise it looks good. I can't even put a bumper sticker on straight, so don't feel too bad.

[78bronco460]

There's nothing wrong with tape. Use good tape and wrap the splice carefully and it will be fine.

[Dustin Smith]

Tape is OK, for certain situations. It is rarely, if ever, a suitable permanent alternative to heat shrink.

[Rock Toy]

So back on subject. I have three groups of wires: switch-panel 1, switch panel 2 and gauges. Everything that is switched will get a relay and then onto its destination. However, I have been wondering about the ground and ignition source for the wire groups. I have already daisy chained all of the power feeds and all of the ground wires. Can I connect all of these ground wires and then ground that main wire? Or should they all be grounded individually? And how about the power? Should I run each group to their own fuse or can I combine to one switched fuse? I know that either will work and I know that individual everything is probably the right way. But what is acceptable?

Pics below. And please beat me up if you see anything wrong. I am more than willing to fix the mistakes. And all three groups of wires will be getting Weatherpack connectors before joining the wiring harness.

[steveh]

Originally Posted by BigBlue&Goldie

I wasn't going to say it, but otherwise it looks good. I can't even put a bumper sticker on straight, so don't feel too bad.

They are laid out how the end-user wanted them. He wanted it that way. Gotta love all the PCE's