Aux Fuse Block and Mount
- Thread starter Big_Geek
- Start date
Big_Geek
Drop Bear
I can't speak to the long-term aspects of the SafetyHub 150, but having a single stop to power all of my planned electronic additions is nice. In researching this project, I ran across a video where a representative of Blue Sea Systems was describing the reason they made this product and it seemed to make sense to me - He said that when utilizing multiple fuse holders tied to the battery, the intermediary links between the fuse holders often became problematic and added to the confusion of trying to troubleshoot. The SafetyHub 150 has a common positive rail that powers both the blade-type fuses as well as the hardware-fastened fuses. You either have power to everything, or nothing and there is only one cable to troubleshoot if things go south.
El Solis
Adventurer
I like the blue sea stuff. I'm putting a 12 port one in my rig for power in the back (land rover 110). Since it is wide open back there and I have a habit of driving my truck like a submarine I am going with a pelican case with waterproof fittings to run the wires in and out. Allows me to put relays for the rear work lights and the amp for my iPod (kicker px50.2i, no head unit needed). 
keezer37
Explorer
I thought about this in the past, using a sealed case and whether or not condensation from a temp differential would be an issue . Will you be putting a dessicant in there? Is it necessary with Pelican case?
AFSOC
Explorer
You're right on the money keezer, the interior of a Pelican can create it's own "ecosystem" of sorts. We keep lots of aircraft SE in Pelicans in a climate controlled building. When we take it from indoors into a high humidity environment 15-20 degrees cooler we end up collecting some moisture. It is very apparent when we return it into the warmth. Breaking the seal for a little venting is best practice for our application. Since El Solis' case would stay outside, a vent tube to the cab may be appropriate? I am anxious to follow El Solis' evolution.
Crom
Expo this, expo that, exp
Well done. I like it. I was not aware of the hub product so thanks for this thread, I may end up using that as it seems like a good way to go.
Manual dual battery switch
http://bluesea.com/category/78/1/products/6007200
Allows you to use battery 1, battery 2, combine, or all off. I like this method over the standard solenoid kits for a few reasons:
1. All off completely disconnects all Batt+ load from both batteries, which is good for long term storage. Minor theft protectionAnd if you want to work on your electrical system (no more having to remove battery terminals)
2. Allows you to remove either battery for replacement without loosing use of the vehicle. Normal solenoid kits tie the second battery through the first, so even if the primary is dead you need it in there to complete the circuit or would have to shuffle your batteries around.
3. Simpler wiring. No toggle switch to wire
How do you charge your aux battery with that switch? Do you have to run it 1+2 (combine) mode for the alternator to charge the aux battery?
lqdchkn
:)
Either 1+2 or just 2 alone. If you're using a deep cycle as the dual battery it won't need charging very often. I'd switch it into the loop for about a week every three months or so when it wasn't being used regularly. If you are using it regularly then it's easiest to just keep it in the loop. These switches are "make before break" so as long as you don't switch through the off position you can switch it when ever you want without the power cutting out.
El Solis
Adventurer
Hadn't thought of the "ecosystem". It has the gortex breather valve (won't help with moisture). I could run a vent tube up like a diff breather or just see what happens. I will be keeping the iPod in there which means opening it a few times a day to put it in and take it out for listening to at camp. That should help.
Crom
Expo this, expo that, exp
Thanks for your reply. After posting my question, I studied literature on the blue sea website. Much to my excitement the switch does not preclude one from inserting an automatic charging relay into the equation. Basically connect the relay to the aux terminal on the battery switch, and the other relay terminal, to the pos terminal on main battery. That way the charging function is automatic.
lqdchkn
:)
Thanks for your reply. After posting my question, I studied literature on the blue sea website. Much to my excitement the switch does not preclude one from inserting an automatic charging relay into the equation. Basically connect the relay to the aux terminal on the battery switch, and the other relay terminal, to the pos terminal on main battery. That way the charging function is automatic.
Yup, they do have that available