Post your Wiring tricks

[PSYCHOFAB]

any one using manuel reset switch styel circut breackers? can thay be used to elimenate toggle switch, relay, and fuse?

[Cat037]

For those using Deutsch connectors here is a alternative to the $400 crimpers.


Link (http://shop.willyselectronics.com/br...g-/4,1200.html)

[89breaker]

For those not in the know.

Performance Plus and Wrangler Northwest Power has some great auto electrical products.

[uglytoytruck]

twist tail zip ties are handy also, they eliminate the need for dykes

[lilgreenjeepyj]

One tip I picked up while working on modifying my 5.3 factory harness and should work with most factory harnesses or taped harnesses. Pick up a 2$ seam ripper at wal-mart or steal one from the wife. They slice through the tape quite nicely and are reasonably safe for the wire covering.




Another trick is using an old 4x8 sheet of plywood and some screws to help layout your harnesses.

Grab a section of factory harness with matching colors from the Junkyard to extend your factory harness with the proper color wiring. Same gauge and color helps when searching for problems.

[Rock Taxi]

I am a big fan of marine switch panels rather than mounting switches individually in a dash.



Ed

[rockcrawln]

I bought one of these for rewiring my dash. It works great. I have a few different sizes of label with different background colors depending on what I am doing. The labels are laminated so you can't rub the text off.

[89breaker]

Originally Posted by PSYCHOFAB

any one using manuel reset switch styel circut breackers? can thay be used to elimenate toggle switch, relay, and fuse?

I have a manual circuit breaker but it is a kill switch for all my auxillaries and it is big (4 in by 4 in +/-).

The big picture is this...

You don't want that on all your various components and that is why you use a relay and toggle as it not only breaks down the juice but also allows an orderly organization.

[tim90]

Originally Posted by PSYCHOFAB

any one using manuel reset switch styel circut breackers? can thay be used to elimenate toggle switch, relay, and fuse?

We use solid state relays that also provide overload protection. Just switch off and back on to reset. Don't replace everything but do get rid of the fuses.

Cheaper than good quality pop up circuit breakers and much better vibration resistance.

Tim

[Bondage]

Originally Posted by tim90

We use solid state relays that also provide overload protection. Just switch off and back on to reset. Don't replace everything but do get rid of the fuses.

Cheaper than good quality pop up circuit breakers and much better vibration resistance.

Tim

link?

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by 6869704x4

Pic of string and zips.

O the memories, As a A&P guy in a former life I do not miss the all white wires

As I now have become the go to guy for electrical needs of all my buddy's I have a few tricks to add.

To get a drag line through any type of tubing tie a section of plastic bag to the end and use a shop vac on the other.

Get quality tools & supplies I know it's been said so far but I use Ancor crimpers in the ratcheting form both Double crimp for insulated terminals and single foe those with built in heat shrink.

A few other sources for electrical components that I use

Wayteck Wire - Everything Electrical

PSC Connectors Packard connectors for Factory Bulkhead # 56

OTRATTW - Custom Switches

Wrangler NW - Dual Battery Stuff (download the catalog) lots of stuff not on web

4x4 Mods - More Custom Rocker Switches

Cole Hersee - About any type of switch, relay one could need

[Madzooki]

Originally Posted by One Big Zuk

This is the best tool to help with wiring I own a shop and use it 2 to 3 times a week. Makes me not want to punch stuff when working with f-up wiring. The best part is you don't have to use jumpers or a test light that you are never sure has a good ground.
http://www.powerprobe.com/powerprobe/PP3.html

I use my power probe at least 5 times a day. It has by far made me the most money out of all of the tools that I own.

Paul

[chadjans]

I know an old post. But for those working with an existing OE wire harness and fuse box, has anyone used the plug and play manual reset circuit breakers that fit in fuse slots?

http://www.delcity.net/store/Low-Pro...s/p_795453.a_1

http://order.waytekwire.com/products...t%20Protection

[Triaged]

I have never heard much good about them. They are longer and heavier than a normal fuse and vibrate making the contacts loose in the fuse box.

[plug ugly]

Originally Posted by R290

Thats works on ph wire, but when you have some 14 ga wire, I tin both ends and use pliers to make a "c" on each end and then crimp them together and solder. one more tip. I used a bit of super 33 electrical tape first and then the heat shrink wrap. Provides an extra thick insulation.

can you explain this please? whats tinning the ends? I have a hell of a time soldering wires.

[bigun]

Originally Posted by plug ugly

can you explain this please? whats tinning the ends? I have a hell of a time soldering wires.

Tinning means to heat the wire up to the point that solder will flow in and fill the gaps in the wire

[91blaze]

saw this box in a 95 grand cherokee at a yard yesterday



I'd like to find one for my buggy (one was broke)

[Redfin]

Originally Posted by NUTTY4X4

just a quick thought for connections to prevent corrosion is dielectric grease

I cant believe this wasnt brought up ALOT earlier in the thread. I use dielectric on EVERY connection I touch.

Originally Posted by plug ugly

can you explain this please? whats tinning the ends? I have a hell of a time soldering wires.

When soldering, it is imparative to use flux. Also heat the conductors 180* from where you touch the solder to the connection. It will then flow through the whole joint.

When im soldering two stranded conductors together I untwist the conductors and slide them into each other. You can then retwist the two conductors and solder. If done correctly the splice will only have minimal diameter increase than rest of wire.

[chadjans]

Originally Posted by Redfin

I cant believe this wasnt brought up ALOT earlier in the thread. I use dielectric on EVERY connection I touch.

Probably because it is non conductive.

Good info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone_grease

[Travis Waldher]

Originally Posted by chadjans

Probably because it is non conductive.

Good info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone_grease

Which is why I pack all my electrical connections full of it, including spark plug wires.

Keeps the water out.

[Redfin]

Originally Posted by chadjans

Probably because it is non conductive.

Good info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone_grease

You are correct. On the other hand I use the dielectric as it was intended. To shield the connecton from external contaminants and moisture. Take two butt splices and coat one with dielectric and one without. Drop them in a glass of water. Check your resistance across the connection after a few days.

On a side note. If you would like to maintain or improve the electrical properties of a connection try this stuff:
http://www.crcindustries.com/faxdocs/tchdta/101.pdf

[Rock Taxi]

Used these folks this week.

GREAT vendor.

http://www.otrattw.com/index.php - Custom Switches

Ed

[BenMara]

http://www.rctech.net/forum/radio-el...ef-lesson.html

[michigander]

Originally Posted by PSYCHOFAB

any one using manuel reset switch styel circut breackers? can thay be used to elimenate toggle switch, relay, and fuse?

bump, anyone know where to buy these? I know they are pricy, but I'm having a tough time finding them.

Here is the ONLY place I can currently find them

http://www.dansperformanceparts.com/...buggyelec6.htm

Toggle Switch/Circuit Breaker Combo

These toggle switch with built-in circuit breaker utilizes the hydraulic magnetic principle which provides precise operation & performance even when exposed to extreme hot or cold environments (-40F to +185F) and endurance up to 10,000 cycles. 10-32 screw terminals & bus bar compatible. Available up to 50 amps.

Great product, not sure that I want to swing $43 a switch though.

[copieddemise]

Not sure on a good source for the breaker switch you posted, you might want to try the manufacturer directly though to see if you can order direct or if they could reccommend another possibly cheaper vender.

http://www.k-four.net/Product.aspx?pid=251

Another option would be the W31 series Tyco toggle breaker. They can be found for around $25 a pop; used in a lot of small aircraft and frequently used in budget friendly offroad race vehicle applications. It's sister breaker, the W23, is the non switched push/pull version of the same piece.



If you're feeling spendy, the 7270-1 Klixon toggle breakers are the top shelf MIL spec trophy truck money is no object answer to what you're looking for... only downfall is their $80ish a pop price tag.