Blue Sea or Bussmann?

Accessories are starting to add up and need to clean up my wiring under the hood. I've spent a lot of time researching the two versions people are choosing, both are quality setups, but why go with one rather than the other? I haven't been able to find any comparisons on the two. Relays are on both but seem more integrated on the Bussmann, but the Bussmann wiring definitely gets overwhelming for me with little electrical background. Any advice on either would be appreciated and pictures are always welcomed.



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I was under the impression that the Blue Sea units were fuses only? I can't find one with relays (do you have a part number?). If that's the case, then it will be apples to oranges with relays vs just fuses.

Plus looks like the Bussman is more waterproof than the Blue Sea units pictured.

 

Blue Sea is fuse only, but people then attach their relays next to it like the picture above. Just curious as to why that route instead of Bussmann...

 

I went with the bussman RFMR (10relay/40fuse) so

• I could expand number of items I have plugged in down the road (futureproof)
• I like having the relays and fuses in one enclosed box (looks cleaner when you're looking at it)
• I went with the RFMR because it has two internal bussbars.
  • The how-to thread uses the RMTR and has an external ground bar (same way you would connect with the blue sea fuse box)
  • I wired mine so that one of the internal busses is pos and othe ris negative

Overall, I think the bussman looks cleaner, just don't look under mine, I haven't cleaned that up yet. If you go with the bussman and do the DIY route, its not that difficult but it can be overwhelming with the amount of connections you're making but really, its super straight forward with a bunch of crimps.

 

Ah, gotcha.

Personally like the look and functionality of the Bussman compared to laying out relays, but that's a personal preference. Haven't done either yet as I have only one relay to use a the moment. I can see how it would be a little easier however to troubleshoot wiring if it's not all tucked up in a box though...

 

Looking at this as a possibility. Wish I had time to build from scratch though.

https://www.ebay.com/i/182445594617?chn=ps

 

I'm with ya on that. I thought someone at TW was selling them in batches?

 

They are through TacomaPros.com I believe. A bit cheaper on Amazon and EBay by $50 or so.

 

@Sandman614

 

what is the purpose of the relays?

 

Relays are used in place of running a much higher amperage wire through a firewall where electrical/fire safety is concerned. Additionally, most switches aren't rated to handle the higher amps that most after market items are capable of putting out. A relay is a switch but a switch is not a relay. In the case of a SPST relay, it will have 4 pinouts. A 30, 85, 86, and 87. Pins 30 -> 87 are switched where as pins 85 -> 86 are on a coil. When you complete the circuit through pins 85 and 86 you effectively create an electromagnet to close the reed switch of pins 30 -> 87 closing that circuit. This way you can have a much lower voltage switch in the cab controlling your aftermarket item.



Take this relay for example. In this example, the blue wire(30) and the yellow wire(87) are handling a much higher voltage to run, say your onboard air compressor with a 10g wire. The black(85) and white(86) wire will be the wires coming from the switch in the cab of the truck at a much lower voltage, say 18g wire. Completing this circuit by toggling the switch in the cab, enables the much higher voltage circuit to be completed turning on the compressor while keeping those heavier duty wires out of the cab preventing the potential for vehicle fires or melting the switch in the cab due to the higher voltage through the switch. I hope that makes sense?

The relay in the picture is shown with an 87A pin, this can be used for redirecting power to an additional item or indicator showing you that a circuit is off. I personally don't use a relay in that configuration but it does have its uses.

I was rambling, so maybe this article will make more sense:
http://www.sourceresearch.com/newsletter/Automotive-Relays-and-How-They-Works.cfm?0616


-J

 

The way you worded it makes perfect sense. Thanks!

 

Really good info. I'm trying to understand wiring as I would like to have some lighting outside my truck and am wanting to use a aux fuse box to keep things clean. Never understood what a relay did till now. Never did anything electrical but know I can kind of figure out what to do.

 

No problem.

I've been sitting on spaghetti soup in the engine bay for well over 6 years, slowly piecemealing parts together to square up this mess. I plan on following this thread when I finally find the time to sort my crap out. If you're in a DIY mood, its a great resource to follow. I basically only have OTTRAW switches and a switch plate. Still need wire, tools, plug hardware and everything else.


-J

 

That's an awesome thread. This will definitely help. Thanks!

 

I’m having a Bussmann installed as we speak. I’ll post pics of the install as soon as I pick my truck up.

 

I notice your in the san Fernando valley . Are you getting the work professionally done? Can you recommend the spot ?

 

FWIW, they’re basically the same thing- wiring wise. The main difference is the Bussman is all self contained with space for 5 relays inside the u it and because it uses mini fuses and relays the entire package is more compact. The way it all gets wired is exactly the same if you’re the one doing the work. The Blue Sea box is a simplified version of it and the added bonus is that you aren’t limited to 5 relays if you see yourself needing more than that. But you then need to find somewhere to stuff all the relays and mount them cleanly to take full advantage of the convenience.

As a side note, you need ratcheting crimpers to properly wire the Bussman box from scratch and most people don’t have those Also the mini relays are more expensive by a couple bucks compared to your standard relays that you can get pretty much anywhere. That’s all moot if you’re buying the Bussman pre-wired with relays and fuses included.

 

I’m building a couple boxes as we speak.

 

I am having a buddy of mine named Jessie at Coastline Motorsport do it. He does excellent work, and his prices are very fair. I have also had a lot of suspension work done from @GHOST SHIP, Sergio does great work as well.