Will too many gauges create overload?

88GT17MA

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Nov 1, 2004

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May 14, 2007

#1

• May 14, 2007

• #1

I was wondering....if I tap my autometer gauges off of the blue and red wire (the dimming wire)....

How many gauges can I safely connect to this power source without overloading it. Currently Im planning on hooking up:

Speedo
Tach
Boost
Fuel PSI
Fuel level
Oil PSI
Volt
water

Also, the stock cluster will be disconnected.

Thanks in advance

 

S

Sicarius428

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Jan 6, 2004

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May 14, 2007

#2

• May 14, 2007

• #2

I have all the gauge lights(4) tapped into the dimmer switch. I ran 1A fuses for them just in case.
Kevin

 

HISSIN50

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May 14, 2007

#3

• May 14, 2007

• #3

You can crunch the numbers. Watts/volts = amps. Add up the total wattage of your bulbs and divide by 12. Add this to existing demands (accomodating for anything you removed) and see.

If you are doing away with the stock gauges, I'd be reasonably sure you can do it. But without knowing your new bulb wattage, there's no way to know for sure. The dimmer is fused at 5 amps IIRC.

Good luck.

 

88GT17MA

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May 14, 2007

#4

• May 14, 2007

• #4

Thanks for the help guys. I think im going to try and use an "add a circuit" in the fuse box, then to a seperate 20A fuse, then to gauge power.

How come it seems most fox owners dont tap into the original fuse box for gauge power?

 

HISSIN50

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#5

• May 14, 2007

• #5

For powering the gauges, you want a stable power source to help with voltage fluctuations and voltage drop. I'd use an ignition wire (soldered) for it personally.

The add a fuse works ok for dippy stuff but you really don't want that powering something important like gauges.

JMHO.

Good luck.

 

88GT17MA

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May 15, 2007

#6

• May 15, 2007

• #6

These are really only to power the small light bulb in the gauges. Pretty much all my gauges are mechanical. I should be ok using an "add a circuit" for this correct?

 

HISSIN50

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May 15, 2007

#7

• May 15, 2007

• #7

88GT17MA said:

These are really only to power the small light bulb in the gauges. Pretty much all my gauges are mechanical. I should be ok using an "add a circuit" for this correct?

Click to expand...

For the gauge lighting, the add-a-circuit will work.

For an electrical gauge(s), an fuse tap will work but for long-term reliability, I'd just solder into an ignition wire (available under the steering column, for one tap location).

Though not necessary, it's always wise to fuse your new wiring (I believe the add-a-circuit has an integral fuse holder). If not, I always add a small inline fuse on the accessory power and lighting wires, just in case. If all is well, the fuses will never blow. But if your wiring chafes and shorts or a connection comes loose, having the extra fuses are nice.

Good luck.

 

88GT17MA

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May 15, 2007

#8

• May 15, 2007

• #8

Thanks for all your help Hissin, I'm going to give it a shot.