Advice on best place to tap into the power source.

[Kade Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Kade]

Good evening all, hoping to get some guidance on a project, I want to install a couple of USB ports, one in the middle console and one on the right of the steering wheel, I would like to run independent power to both but am unsure of where to tap in?? What is the best place?

I am considering hardwiring to the battery but one of the modules has an amp gauge so it will always be on, would rather have it only on when the car is on.

Thanks in advance!!

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

There are a couple of convenient grommets through the firewall so it is easy to run a (fused) cable direct ftom the battery. To have a cable powered only when the ignition is on/car running there are some wires noted in the 'useful wires thread' you can tap into or alternatively use a relay tripped by one of the 12V sockets. Main fused power to termjnal 30, output to power sockets terminal 87 and tapped 12V socket to terminal 85 and connect earth to 86.

https://www.pradopoint.com.au/forum/...and-locations=

[Kade Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Kade]

There are a couple of convenient grommets through the firewall so it is easy to run a (fused) cable direct ftom the battery. To have a cable powered only when the ignition is on/car running there are some wires noted in the 'useful wires thread' you can tap into or alternatively use a relay tripped by one of the 12V sockets. Main fused power to termjnal 30, output to power sockets terminal 87 and tapped 12V socket to terminal 85 and connect earth to 86.

https://www.pradopoint.com.au/forum/...and-locations=

Thanks for the reply and link, that is a good thread, yeah a relay off the cigarette lighter would be good, then power in off the battery, it is mainly the one USB with the amp meter I want to only turn on when the car is on, not sure if it would be too much for the cigarette lighter circuit to take on and give a accurate amp reading.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

The trigger from the 12V circuit is just that, a low current trigger, main power is coming from the wire connected to terminal 30. Very easy and no impost on the 12V socket circuit.

[Kade Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Kade]

The trigger from the 12V circuit is just that, a low current trigger, main power is coming from the wire connected to terminal 30. Very easy and no impost on the 12V socket circuit.

Cool man thanks, here is a sneak peak at what I am trying to achieve, so my mobile sits in the holder and plugs into the USB below, great location for GPS, maps etc, plus the cord is straight down, I will swap the redarc and USB over before I wire it up. the double USB will go in the centre console when it arrives. For some reason the pictures are not the right way up...

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

There are USB sockets that fit in the 150 switch blanks. Have a look on evilbay. Then it is just a matter of the wiring. Some are rated at very low current so make sure you get what you need.

[Kade Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Kade]

There are USB sockets that fit in the 150 switch blanks. Have a look on evilbay. Then it is just a matter of the wiring. Some are rated at very low current so make sure you get what you need.

HAHAHAH I just googled evilbay and went to the site... I guess you mean ebay? LOL LOL, yeah I ordered off Stedi, fit perfect so far, just waiting on the dual USB, then its all go

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

HAHAHAH I just googled evilbay and went to the site... I guess you mean ebay? LOL LOL, yeah I ordered off Stedi, fit perfect so far, just waiting on the dual USB, then its all go

Yep, and scumtree...

[Kade Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Kade]

Got it sorted today, used existing wiring to power off, then removed a lot of redundant cables, relays, joiners and plugs, I removed more then I put in LOL, but anyway now I have a USB and amp gauge on the right and a dual USB in the center, works a treat, also I now have a power source to plug any other options I want on demand, the joys of being a 2nd class auto sparky with more pride and passion then the auto sparky that charges $160 an hour...