Piggy back from fuse box in dual battery install

[Grinbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grinbot]

Had a dual battery system installed yesterday at a big-name 4WD shop, and they've piggy-backed of an engine bay fuse (the EFI one), I think as input to the the REDARC BCDC1225D charger.

But they couldn't close the fuse box lid, so they cut out a section of the lid, but it still doesn't shut properly. Trying to jam the lid shut, they've split the side of the lid, and the lid is squashing the cable.

This seems dodgey to me. Isn't the fuse box supposed to be dust proof and water resistant?

This isn't acceptable, right? I'm not overreacting?

[nudgebar Member Find all posts View Profile Close nudgebar]

that is so dodgy , take it back. using the EFI fuse is a bad idea anyway because if the piggy back fails , the car stops. they should have used the seat warmer fuse or something less critical

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

That is terrible. Take it back. Get a new cover and tell them to pick up a trigger elsewhere without making a mess.

[Pradosaur Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pradosaur]

No grinbot you’re right to be pissed off. That is really a poor installation. Assuming that’s the positive Input wire in the pic the Installation guide says it should be directly connected to positive terminal of crank battery. I’d back on the installers doorstep and getting up them like a rat up a drain pipe.

the lid in its original condition will never be dust or water proof but it will allow a hell of a lot more in ,in its current state. Stick it to them !

[Pradosaur Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pradosaur]

in addition to the above FYI redarc has a talk to a tech section. They’re excellent with their help, generally take 24 hrs to reply . I’d send something to them to get their expert opinion then see the installer.

[LeighW Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LeighW]

Pretty slack, they could have least cut out the lid to allow for the cabling, another is the contact rating of the fuse, the Redarc
could pull 30A or so by its self, you then have the cars electrics to add to that, you'll probably find the highest rated fuse is
around 30A so it is unlikely the contacts in the fuse holders are going to be rated above that.

If the try to fob you off just ask to give you in writing it is safe and won't result in a fire.

[Grinbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grinbot]

Thanks everyone for your input. It's good to know that I'm not being overly picky. I've rang them up, and sent photos. The sales guy is going to talk to the workshop and get back to me.

There is a separate cable between the crank battery and the charger. My understanding is that this connection from the EFI fuse is a signal for the charger to know when the ignition is on -- probably doesn't pull much power.

[GEEEXL Member Find all posts View Profile Close GEEEXL]

is be asking if the "installer" was actually a qualified auto electrician as big name 4WD shops are not known for having all their installers being qualified rather being overseen by one qualified staff member

[Tonz Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tonz]

dodgy indeed!.

[Grinbot Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grinbot]

Just a follow up on this.

ARB Regency Park in Adelaide (the big-name 4WD shop) has fixed it up. They fitted a new fuse box cover (took a few weeks to come), and re-routed a lot of the wiring making it neater (and it is no longer routed through the fuel filter -- another thing I complained about). Oh, and they also fitted the Andersen plug for solar they forgot to fit initially.

It looks pretty good now. I guess the apprentice didn't do it this time :-).

So they have redeemed themselves. Still, I don't think I'll be taking my Prado back there. I'll try and find some place that takes a little more pride in their work. Any recommendation for a good 4x4 shop in Adelaide (we're just in the Adelaide hills) would be appreciated.