DIY: Switched Power

[SnowyCamaro]

After doing a little research it seems like no one has really touched on this. So i thought i would elaborate on my method for switched power. Its very simple. Works on all model camaros, I've installed in 3 so far with no issues. (1LT, 2SS and ZL1)

First you will need a fuse tap and an appropriate fuse. I used 5Amp because i am running led lights and a radar detector off the circuit. Realize you are technically overloading this circuit. The wires are designed for 20A + some amount of safety factor. Be aware that if you put too much current through a wire it can start on fire. So keep that in mind....dont add another 50 amps or something stupid to the circuit.


I also like to wire this up with a switch for convenience, but that is up to you.

Remove the driver side fuse panel cover. Remember when removing this to pull straight outwards on the last clip at the top, it is easy to break and/or twist the mount for that clip. Anyway, there is good switched power on the "P18 Power Oulet" circuit.



Remove the fuse and insert it into your fuse tap. Make sure the 20A fuse is still the main fuse for the circuit.



In order to fit the fuse tap into place you will need to remove the trunk relay and trim the plastic as shown. I used side cutters but whatever works for you.



Now install the fuse tap and then the relay back into place, you will have to bend the fuse tap a little bit. It's a snug fit.



Check with circuit tester for power.

I installed a switch under the dash by drilling a 1/2inch hole and mounted a rocker switch.



Then i used the large 13mm bolt as ground



Hook everything up and it should power whatever you may need 14.5v switched power for.

I like putting quick connects on everything, then everything is clean if i have to take everything apart later. But thats just me.

Good luck!

Derek

[Bretts]

Do you have a online vendor for the fuse taps? Lookks simple enough

[Graphicsgod]

Originally Posted by Bretts

Do you have a online vendor for the fuse taps? Lookks simple enough

I purchased mine from Autozone (Discount Auto and Pepboys should have them as well)! They cost about $2.50 a piece. A little pricey, but if you need them it's worth the easy connection in the fuse box! They also come in two sizes, so either make sure which ones you need or, do what I did, and buy them both!

[SnowyCamaro]

Local auto parts store should sell them. They are called "Mini ATC fuse tap"

[camguynj]

Originally Posted by SnowyCamaro

After doing a little research it seems like no one has really touched on this. So i thought i would elaborate on my method for switched power. Its very simple. Works on all model camaros, I've installed in 3 so far with no issues. (1LT, 2SS and ZL1)

First you will need a fuse tap and an appropriate fuse. I used 5Amp because i am running led lights and a radar detector off the circuit. Realize you are technically overloading this circuit. The wires are designed for 20A + some amount of safety factor. Be aware that if you put too much current through a wire it can start on fire. So keep that in mind....dont add another 50 amps or something stupid to the circuit.


I also like to wire this up with a switch for convenience, but that is up to you.

Remove the driver side fuse panel cover. Remember when removing this to pull straight outwards on the last clip at the top, it is easy to break and/or twist the mount for that clip. Anyway, there is good switched power on the "P18 Power Oulet" circuit.



Remove the fuse and insert it into your fuse tap. Make sure the 20A fuse is still the main fuse for the circuit.



In order to fit the fuse tap into place you will need to remove the trunk relay and trim the plastic as shown. I used side cutters but whatever works for you.



Now install the fuse tap and then the relay back into place, you will have to bend the fuse tap a little bit. It's a snug fit.



Check with circuit tester for power.

I installed a switch under the dash by drilling a 1/2inch hole and mounted a rocker switch.



Then i used the large 13mm bolt as ground



Hook everything up and it should power whatever you may need 14.5v switched power for.

I like putting quick connects on everything, then everything is clean if i have to take everything apart later. But thats just me.

Good luck!

Derek

Doesn't "switched power" mean that power isn't provided to the circuit until the key is turned to ACC or ON ...example the radio, it can't be powered on without the key in ACC or car being started ... is that the case with fuse circuit18 that you used?

[SnowyCamaro]

Originally Posted by camguynj

Doesn't "switched power" mean that power isn't provided to the circuit until the key is turned to ACC or ON ...example the radio, it can't be powered on without the key in ACC or car being started ... is that the case with fuse circuit18 that you used?

The circuit i tapped into is switched yes. The circuit shuts off with the key / radio etc.

[bigwayne3000]

I keep meaning to hard wire my radar detector, think I'll use this method, thanks!

[camguynj]

Originally Posted by SnowyCamaro

The circuit i tapped into is switched yes. The circuit shuts off with the key / radio etc.

Good to know !

[SnowyCamaro]

Originally Posted by bigwayne3000

I keep meaning to hard wire my radar detector, think I'll use this method, thanks!

Thats what i did.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=438505

[bigwayne3000]

Side question, for the radar detector do I just snip off the one end and splice it to the blue part on this fuse tap?

[SnowyCamaro]

If you dont want to have switch. Yes

[bigwayne3000]

Thanks!

[SnowyCamaro]

Originally Posted by bigwayne3000

Side question, for the radar detector do I just snip off the one end and splice it to the blue part on this fuse tap?

The blue is butt connector. Crimp wire in there. You could cut it off and splice too. Yes.

Pm me if you have questions.

[Bretts]

Thanks!