hi
i have just bought a flashing led for my dashboard from maplin(can't afford to by an alarm so just bought a flashing led). I've been told to connect the led to the battery. I would like to know if there is a safe way to connect the wires or do i simply connect them by twisting them ?
thank you
2007-07-16 10:05:44 · 9 answers · asked by hongthebadboy 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
Assuming their not live wires, connect them with crimp type wire connecters bought from an auto parts store or walmart, it will say on the package what guage wire it can accept your probably in the 18-20 range. You simply strip about 3/8" from the ends and crimp them.
2007-07-16 10:19:10 · answer #1 · answered by beasleyten 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never twist wires together dude, you're asking for a fire doing that!!
If you can't solder buy a connector block - white(usually) with a screw at each end. Don't strip too much insulater off the wires either.
If you just want to connect the wire directly to the battery, buy a ring connector and attatch this to the small bolt on the +ve terminal of the battery. You'll probably have a live connection in your fuse box though - then just get a spade connector and plug it in which is a heck of a lot easier!
Try and avoid those POS squeeze on connectors - they're not the safest way at all and they damage the wire. Sorry dude above me but I'm right on that one
2007-07-16 10:11:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firstly check and see if your car cigarette lighter works with the ignition on. If it does connect the led to the feed to the lighter rather than direct to the battery at least then there is a fuse in the line. Make sure you disconnect the battery before connection. If you twist wires/cables you weaken them so don't do it. Go back to maplin and explain what you are trying to do, they will be able to sell you connectors allowing the joining of your device to existing cables without having to cut the cables or having to use solder.
2007-07-16 10:20:43 · answer #3 · answered by emrit4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest not making your power connection at the battery. The current draw of an LED light is very small, so there's no advantage to a direct battery connection; and small wiring connected to the battery is vulnerable to corrosion.
Your best option would be to tap the LED light into a fuse at the fuse box. This device works very well for that purpose: http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-FHA200BP-Fuse-Add-Circuit/dp/B0002BGELQ They are available at most auto parts stores. Just pick a fuse that's on a constant power supply, like the dome light or cigarette lighter fuse.
2007-07-16 10:58:12 · answer #4 · answered by KaeZoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't connect the led directly to the fuse box of the cigarette lighter, or the car dome because then the led would be ON at all times. Connect a in-line switch somewhere between the fuse and the led. This way you would be able to turn it ON/OFF at will.
2007-07-17 07:05:12 · answer #5 · answered by Mitchell 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can buy squeeze on connectors, that's the best and safest way to couple. I would recommend you put a fused link in the live lead to protect the electrics and the car. You should also consider a switch so it's not flashing all the time.
2007-07-16 10:08:24 · answer #6 · answered by tucksie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there should be 3 main connections other than the speaker outputs. one goes to the battery + (through a proper fuse), one going to a good ground, and the remote turn-on from your head unit (this is what turns the amp on and off with the head unit.) if hooked up properly, it will not drain your battery.
2016-04-01 07:22:41 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
KaeZoo took the words right out of my mouth.
2007-07-17 03:23:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always connect the neutral (black or brown) first, then the live (red). Otherwise you'll blow fuses.
2007-07-16 10:12:57 · answer #9 · answered by wonkyfella 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋