Add 15 amp circuit socket direct to battery

[globalfx]

I'm looking for the preferred way with pics and diagrams to add a 15 amp socket to my trunk. Need expert guidance so I don't blow up the whole system. Thanks much.

[WingAdmin]

It's not too tough. First off, you'll need a fuse holder and a 15 amp fuse to go in it:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=3150583

Next, you'll need a couple 14-16 gauge (blue) ring terminals to connect to the battery. You can get these at any local automotive store:

You will need some 14 gauge stranded wire - two conductor. Don't use speaker wire for this, go to the automotive store and get some high quality wire:

http://www.amazon.com/Pico-Conductor-Pa ... ingdocs-20

Lastly, you'll need the socket itself. Most mount from the outside, you cut a hole, put it through, then screw a lock ring on the outside to hold it in place:

Don't scrimp on the socket - there aren't a lot of them out there rated for a full 15 amps, most are only 10 or 12 amps. If you have a 15 amp fuse and a 12 amp rated socket, you could draw 15 amps and overheat/melt the socket, causing a fire. You should also make sure the socket has a cover, preferably one that is spring mounted so that nothing metallic rattling around in the trunk can accidentally get in there and short it out.

The fuse should be connected directly to the battery's + (positive, red) terminal: the fuse should always be as close to the battery as possible. The wire then goes from the fuse to the socket. The + wire goes to the center terminal in the socket. The outer conductor in the socket goes back directly to the battery's - (negative, black) terminal.

[wjnfirearms]

Excellent advice and very well written, I might add. I couldn't have stated it all better if I tried.

Doing electrical add ons properly and safely will mean the difference between having an accessory that functions as you wish it to and one that causes you a lot of grief, if not worse. I've been doing this type of stuff a long time and I've seen things that make my skin crawl.

Also, make absolutely sure that the wiring is well secured along the way and positioned so it does not rub or chafe on anything. Just because a circuit is fused doesn't mean that if it is shorted that it cannot start a fire or cause damage to a vehicle's electrics. The probability is reduced by using fuses, but I've seen it happen. If you are concerned that any of the wire run might be vulnerable to damage, protect it with plastic split wire loom. This covering is available at Radio Shack and most auto parts stores.

[globalfx]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post. This is perfect.