Is running a relay before a fuse block possible? What relay would you use?

[MightyP]

My apologies if this has already been asked and answered. My searches didn't turn up anything definitive and I know just enough about electrical to be dangerous.

Real Goal: I want to safely and cleanly run moderate power accessories on my rig.
Bonus Question: How do higher consumption things (winch, air compressor, power inverter, etc) integrate? Will a fuse block work?

Background: I currently have a dash cam and ditch lights hardwired into my 4runner. I want to add backup lights, a Ham radio and possibly a CB. With what I have now, the wires are messier than I would like, so I want to add a fuse block and clean everything up. As I thought about it though, everything I want on the fuse block, I want tied to the ignition. Rather than use 5 standard relays and the associated power, switch and ground wires on top of the other wiring, can I use a big relay before the fuse block and cut down on all the excess?

I linked to a relay that, in theory, seems like it should work. However, since burning down my rig is a possibility here, I'd like a bit of input. If my very limited knowledge/understanding is right, it would go: Pos battery terminal, 100 amp circuit breaker/inline fuse, big *** relay, fuse block.

https://www.amazon.com/Solenoid-Prestolite-Applications-Continuous-Terminal/dp/B004V3R5BO/

Thanks
P

 

[pugslyyy]

Hmm, if you want so switch the entire assembly in/out that would be a solenoid. Pretty commonly used on winches, compressors, and other high draw loads.

That doesn't negate the need for a fuse block - you want each wire to be fused for less than the amount of current it can carry without catching fire/melting. Also, solenoids typically aren't fused - you still need one. I have a couple of 100-200A fuses coming off my batteries, etc that will hopefully save my rig from burning to the ground in case of a dead short, but you still need all those fuses on all the separate lines coming off of the battery.

 

[dwh]

Yes you can rig an ignition controlled relay/solenoid to feed your fuseblock. No problem.

Make sure the fuseblock's bus bars are rated high enough to handle the max amps you are going to load onto the fuseblock.

You have the right idea with the solenoid you linked. But that solenoid is the wrong one. Too many terminals.