Blue Sea Fuse Block in the Engine Compartment?

[Intuit]

The only reason I stated the use of a 12 volt "constant duty" solenoid is amperage. Although I am not sure of the amperage rating of a "standard" relay, I feel if one is going to run anything/multiple accessories off of their BlueSea, they should consider the input feeding the fuse block. I have a #4g feeding my BlueSea and do not foresee any issues.

 

[lostworldexpedition]

We have the same fuse block. It has been under the hood (highest available spot) for 20 months and many deep river crossings, mud and sand... No problemo.

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Another Blue Sea user, almost two years under the hood (away from heat sources) and no problems to date.

 

[Fireman78]

I want to do this also., with a dual batt too. But I will screw it up. Anyone in the Albuquerque area want to make some extra cash?

 

[MotoDave]

If you want something more sealed, maybe cehck out the Bussman fuse blocks, like this:
http://order.waytekwire.com/productdetail2/M50/46074/REAR TERMINAL ATC ATO FUSE/

They also have versions that are set up for fused relay circuits.

 

[Conrad_Turbo]

Not to take this too far off track...but is there any company that produces a relay box? I have a Blue Seas fuse box, but in my case every fused line will be run to a relay to be controlled by a switch in the cab to turn on or off an accessory.

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I've seen a couple that I'll try and find a link for (it was a ambulance mod company), but I've decided to just use the standard automotive relays and the pre-manufactured plugs. It won't be quite as clean, but should be more robust and easier to trouble shoot or change bad relays.

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[kjp1969]

Not to take this too far off track...but is there any company that produces a relay box? I have a Blue Seas fuse box, but in my case every fused line will be run to a relay to be controlled by a switch in the cab to turn on or off an accessory.

Just cuz I was poking around under the hood of the bronco this weekend, try a junkyard and scope the '92-97 F-series trucks and broncos. Almost under the master cylinder is a splash proof relay box with 4 healthy looking relays in it. It has nice bracketry and should be cheap.

 

[MotoDave]

Not to take this too far off track...but is there any company that produces a relay box? I have a Blue Seas fuse box, but in my case every fused line will be run to a relay to be controlled by a switch in the cab to turn on or off an accessory.

http://order.waytekwire.com/productdetail2/M50/46343/MINI FUSE AND MICRO RELAY RTMR/

This one is set up for fused 5 relay circuits, they have other options

 

[YukonRob]

Not to take this too far off track...but is there any company that produces a relay box?

Hella makes one as well:

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=19186

I ended up making one instead.

 

[Mike S]

I have used these, and they are available, I believe, in two models... one with a ground bus for marine spec apps, and another without the ground bus, which is what I would use in automotive applications. This way you use the battery/vehicle ground and need not worry about an additional ground at the fuse panel.

 

[camp'n_hunt]

Go for it

No problems here.

 

[zuren]

I have used these, and they are available, I believe, in two models... one with a ground bus for marine spec apps, and another without the ground bus, which is what I would use in automotive applications. This way you use the battery/vehicle ground and need not worry about an additional ground at the fuse panel.

You wouldn't want the extra option of having another reliable ground point? I'm looking into these Blue Sea panels as well and thought the model with the ground (#5026 - 12 circuit) wouldn't be a bad option. You wouldn't have to use it but it's there if needed.

 

[CMARJEEP]

Just an FYI for those hooking up radios to these. Depending on what other accessories you have running through the fuse block you may get interference through your radios. Its always best to run CBs, HAM radios and other comm. equipment straight to the battery.

 

[Mike S]

You wouldn't want the extra option of having another reliable ground point? I'm looking into these Blue Sea panels as well and thought the model with the ground (#5026 - 12 circuit) wouldn't be a bad option. You wouldn't have to use it but it's there if needed.

The grounded model is intended for marine and RV applications where you must run the ground back to source, thus doubling the run and resulting loss to resistance. In car or truck loads are normally grounded to the frame or body, so no run back is required. I used the grounded model when wiring my Airstream, but would choose the positive only block for any vehicle application.