simple 12volt system setup?

[belay70]

I built my first CT and bought one of those distribution boxes from the parts supplier for $150, and connected 5 interior/exterior lights and the fantastic fan to it and everything works great. Now Im starting another trailer and Im wondering if there is a cheaper way to connect a similar electrical setup without the expensive dist box? Im thinking the dist box is a waste because I'll never use the 220v 30-amp capability of it, and right now all the box is doing is running my lights/fan through simple 15 amp fuses, powered by a 12v car battery, located in the back of the trailer.

Anyone got a better, simpler, and cheap alternative setup? Im thinking all I really need is some sort of fused junction block and a grounding bar? I cant seem to find such a junction block however. Any ideas are appreciated.

[Dale M.]

Try simple 6-8 fuse panel from local auto parts or from online source...

http://www.delcity.net/store/ATC-&-ATO- ... ad/p_11262
http://www.delcity.net/store/ATC-and-AT ... d/p_650091

They are available with or with "ground" pad connector, but you probably want one with ground connectors...

These have to be the coolest fuses ever... They light up (glow) when blown....

http://www.delcity.net/store/ATC-&-ATO- ... s/p_800317

Think this wire would be the absolute best for DC side wiring.... Constructed like "romex" and come in various wire gauges and is"stranded" wire....

http://www.delcity.net/store/Duplex-Bra ... 180697.t_1

By going outside the box of RB equipment you can find many thing that will work just fine and be a lot simpler and less expensive the staying inside the RV shopping arena...

Another place to look for "stuff" might be Waytek Wire...

http://www.waytekwire.com/products/

Also suggest requesting "paper catalog" of products to peruse at your leisure...

Dale

[Colorado_Carter]

Micheal,

This is what I bought from amazon 16 bones, has the fuse panel and ground bar all rolled into it.
Worked good for my simple system, just added a fused line between it and the battery to be safe.

Ato/Atc Fuse Block Gang 10

[belay70]

Sweet! That is exactly what I was hoping to find. Thanks fellas.

[Forrest747]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_11151_10001_17418_-1____ProductDisplayErrorView#.UdROJvnIGSo

I spent 20 dollars to get a fuse block out of a jeep and wired all the hots through it. Next time going with the item above, alot simpler and not much more in cost

[hmikey]

I'd like to see one of these ATO 6 gang fuse blocks wired up. It seems too simple, I think I'm missing something.

[tony.latham]

I'd like to see one of these ATO 6 gang fuse blocks wired up. It seems too simple, I think I'm missing something.

It seems simple because it is. Here's a Blue Sea fuse box that is similar to the ATO:


On the Blue Sea, the screw connectors next to the fuses (left side top and bottom) are hot (and thus I used red wire). The ones on the right side of the box are grounds (and I used black wire). You can see the heavy 10 ga black ground wire on the right center stud and the 10 ga red wire on the left center stud (they are coming off the battery).

And your 14 ga –or whatever size wire you are using for your circuits– positive (red) come off the fused sides and the black wires come off negative sides.

Don't forget to put an inline fuse at the battery to protect your heavy red wire (30 amp for 10 gauge). .... And if you're using 10 gauge wires to the battery, make sure your inline fuse is 10 gauge wire too...

Simple.

Tony

[Dale M.]

I'd like to see one of these ATO 6 gang fuse blocks wired up. It seems too simple, I think I'm missing something.

It is "simple".... You are just confused because there is not a 20 page instruction sheet written in 13 languages accompanying it....

Basic distribution blocks usually have two connections for "supply" (pos. and neg. from battery) and a ground (neg.) connection and a 12v (pos.) connection for each fuse position.... There is some distribution panels that do not have ground (neg.) connections and you have to supply your own ground bar, but its much easier to get panel the has both features....

http://www.delcity.net/store/ATC-&-ATO- ... ad/p_11262

These "Indicator" fuses are pretty cool to go with your fuse panel...

http://www.delcity.net/store/ATO-Smart- ... s/p_800317

Dale

[hmikey]

Thank you both for your explanation. the photo helped a great deal. Everything is as I would have done it but its good to be reassured. Mike