12v fuse block with relays

[slomatt]

I'm in the middle of setting my my 4runner and as part of the build I'll be adding IPF lights on the front bumper, rock lights, and a 12v compressor along with other electric accessories. It's always easier to keep things clean if you do some planning first so I've been working on a sealed fuse block with relays. You can purchase similar products, but I wanted to build my own since it's fun and the cost was much cheaper. The project is still in the works, but here are some pictures.

The enclosure is a project box from RadioShack, inside are an 8-way fuse block and 2 40A relays. Power is supplied vi an 8g wire to the battery. All hardware is nylon to prevent shorts circuits. Obviously there are more fuses then relays, but not all of my accessories need relays and if I need more I'll add them outside of the box.

Here's a picture showing the countersunk nylon hardware on the bottom of the enclosure.

The battery connections are all soldered and covered in adhesive heatshrink. Since the stock chassis ground is about 16g wire I decided to replace it with a 8g piece.

I'm planning to upgrade to a Diehard battery at some point so I intentionally left the ground wire long so that it will reach to the front posts on the battery.

The fuse box is designed to fit on top of the stock distribution block. I saw a post where someone else put their fuse block on a hinge which is a great idea. I plan to strap down the front of the box with a small piece of elastic strap to prevent rattling.

That's it for now. I've actually gotten a bit farther than shown and will post some updates shortly.

- Matt

 

[off-roader]

Pretty interesting idea.

I plan to strap down the front of the box with a small piece of elastic strap to prevent rattling.

Adhesive Velcro (the kind with industrial strength adhesive) would work great for that.

 

[mikelite80]

Looks Good. I have 6 relays and one of those 12 way fuse blocks one the way to begin my wiring build up. I was very undecided where to put/how to put the parts in. I forget how handy those project boxes are. You know while you are at it might just want to toss in another battery That is what I'm doing, going to try and get all the electrical out of the way in one pass. Just hope 6 relays and a 12way is enough!

Mike

 

[eugene]

The only issue I see is those radio shack boxes are not real sturdy, they get brittle and crack easy. I'd use one of the grey plastic outdoor electrical boxes from a home depot or lowes, or NAPA sells a junction box in their lighting section which is about that size with a smoked see through cover and its designed for automotive electrical work.

 

[slomatt]

Pretty interesting idea.



Adhesive Velcro (the kind with industrial strength adhesive) would work great for that.

That's an interesting idea. I had ruled out normal velcro since the adhesive wouldn't hold up to the heat in the engine bay, will check out the industrial version. Thanks.

- Matt

 

[off-roader]

That's an interesting idea. I had ruled out normal velcro since the adhesive wouldn't hold up to the heat in the engine bay, will check out the industrial version. Thanks.

- Matt

I've been using 3M Dual Lock 'velcro' in my engine bay to hold relays to a piece of aluminum angle iron I mounted to 2 existing bolt holes because I didn't want them permanently mounted in case the relays failed at some point. Hasn't fallen off in the past year. It's been splashed on plenty off road too. I purchased it from Target of all places.