Gauge pod / int. accessory wiring

[JoeliusZ28]

Just a general question, what is everyone using for a power source for interior accessories? I want to do a clean, proper job wiring my gauge pod this time around. I was never proud of the way I had it before which is tapped into the fuse panel on the side of the dash board. Has anyone made a power & ground block and tucked it under the dash?

Mostly just looking for those "clever" ideas here, I know I could figure out something on my own but with wiring it seems like there is always better ways to do things I wouldn't think of.

[BP_Z28]

Believe Ken and I used the headlight switch to run my wires.

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[Fox Slaughter]

http://www.delcity.net/store/ATC-&-ATO-6-Ganged-Fuse-Block/p_10960.r_IF1003?gclid=CJO75r-D5bgCFZSY4AodmTYAJw

[JoeliusZ28]

http://www.delcity.net/store/ATC-&-ATO-6-Ganged-Fuse-Block/p_10960.r_IF1003?gclid=CJO75r-D5bgCFZSY4AodmTYAJw

Where would you tap into for the power? I think id want to use something like that for the ground side too.

[Schuby87]

Where would you tap into for the power? I think id want to use something like that for the ground side too.

There is an empty location for RAP in the dashboard fuse box. You can run that wire right under the dash from there.

[JoeliusZ28]

Pretty sure i get your drift, but what is RAP? Do you just use a spade connector and insert it like you would a fuse?

[Schuby87]

Pretty sure i get your drift, but what is RAP? Do you just use a spade connector and insert it like you would a fuse?

Retained Accessory Power. It goes off with the door opening/timing out - like your radio.

You got it!

[Fox Slaughter]

What do you need a ground for? The entire chassis is a ground?
You would just hook it directly to the battery.
Its the same thing as the fuse box in the car?
That was just an example some can cost over 1000 bucks.
There is no need for a ground, the accessory must have a ground.

Google Automotive Fuse Block.

[JoeliusZ28]

No need for a ground? Gonna have to disagree w you on that, stuff doesnt work if its not grounded.

[Fox Slaughter]

Sunshine read what I said.

Power comes in, power goes out the block, through the accessory, and returns on the ground. Goes to battery, repeats.
The accessory will have a ground wire.

[JoeliusZ28]

I meant i want a clean setup that is easy to disconnect, rather than self-tappers drilled in to random places with the ground wire wrapped around it...

[Fox Slaughter]

So you want it to run 2 wires? A power and a ground all to the same location?

[JoeliusZ28]

Id like all my powers and grounds going to a common location yes

[Fox Slaughter]

http://www.wiringproducts.com/bussma...-position.html

[birdie2000]

I can't remember where exactly I tapped in as it was 10 years ago, but I hooked my aftermarket gauge lighting up to the interior light dimmer circuit and everything dimmed with my interior lights. Worked great. Think I used the ground from the same circuit.