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Blue Sea fuse box questions

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by MelonPitch, Feb 10, 2020.

  1. Feb 10, 2020 at 10:42 PM
    #1
    MelonPitch

    MelonPitch [OP] Active Member

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    Hello All,

    I'm planning on adding some more lights/aux stuff so I'm looking at making a aux fuse box. I've read a lot of different threads on here and just want to make sure I have everything correct before I buy stuff.

    Buylist:

    Blue sea fuse box
    4 gauge
    100 amp breaker
    Relays

    Things I'm a little confused on still:
    Why do some builds use relays but others don't show any?
    What I'm missing?
    Best mounting solution?

    Thanks in advance for the help.
     
  2. Feb 10, 2020 at 11:39 PM
    #2
    kapn

    kapn Well-Known Member

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    Relays are just remote operated switches. Allows you to switch on/off something with a high current draw from a smaller wire/switch.
    For example, installing a light bar that needs a bunch of power and it’s 2’ from the battery, you could run a bunch of wire into the cab to a switch and back to the bar, and it would need to be sized appropriately for the power draw and length. Or use a relay and run a ‘signal’ small wire to the switch inside.
    I’m sure there’s some good websites that cover basic wire size selection and fuses, etc you should read up on before doing this.
     
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  3. Feb 11, 2020 at 7:47 AM
    #3
    LTG4087

    LTG4087 Well-Known Member

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    You can use a smaller gauge wire from your lower amp cab mounted switch to the relay. 8 or 10 gauge would be sufficient.
     
  4. Mar 5, 2020 at 10:17 AM
    #4
    markair

    markair Never A Bad Time To Ride!

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    I'm looking to do a similar project.

    I'm going with the Blue Sea 12 circuit box and Blue Sea 187 Series Circuit Breaker 100 amp and 4 gauge wire.

    I'm having a hard time finding a good mounting plate for under the hood though (2008 2nd Gen). Found a Pelfrybuilt one, but obviously they went out of business.

    I'm interested in what you find out! Thanks!
     
  5. Mar 5, 2020 at 10:20 AM
    #5
    madcity27

    madcity27 Well-Known Member

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    markair likes this.
  6. Mar 5, 2020 at 10:50 AM
    #6
    markair

    markair Never A Bad Time To Ride!

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  7. Mar 5, 2020 at 10:53 AM
    #7
    therealprotaco

    therealprotaco Always Skeptical

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    Check out Powertrays.com. He is also a vendor on here. He sells a nice aluminum tray for all of the components and sells a complete kit with the Blueseas panel, all wiring pre-cut/crimped, etc.
     
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  8. Mar 5, 2020 at 10:58 AM
    #8
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    How many switches will you be running?

    12V Auto Waterproof Fuse Relay Box Block [6 Bosch Style Relay Holder] [6 ATC/ATO Fuse Holder] Universal Relay Block Box for 12V Automotive Vehicles Cars Marine Boat Jeep Light Equipment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR64XK1/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_HUuyEbKAEDC57
     
  9. Mar 5, 2020 at 10:58 AM
    #9
    jowybyo

    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #9
  10. Mar 5, 2020 at 10:59 AM
    #10
    therealprotaco

    therealprotaco Always Skeptical

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  11. Mar 5, 2020 at 11:02 AM
    #11
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    Gives an enclosure to put relays. Better protection against water.
     
  12. Mar 5, 2020 at 11:04 AM
    #12
    jowybyo

    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    I just like that the relays and fuses are in the box. I think it ends up a bit cleaner. Also, there is room for 5 relays circuits and 10 fused circuits. I (and I think most installs I've seen), use 5 of the fused on the relays. So you end up with a clean install with 5 fused relay circuits and 5 fused circuits. It's really just a personal preference I think.
     
  13. Mar 5, 2020 at 12:06 PM
    #13
    caribe makaira

    caribe makaira Well-Known Member

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    8 or 10 gauge for a lower amp switch wire?...o_O
     
  14. Mar 5, 2020 at 12:14 PM
    #14
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    The relay will tell you how many amps your switching at all you need to do is refer to a chart to see what size wire you need you can probably go at least 14 or higher
     
  15. Mar 5, 2020 at 12:19 PM
    #15
    caribe makaira

    caribe makaira Well-Known Member

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    22~18 awg is all that's needed for the wire from the switch to the relay coil...
     
  16. Mar 5, 2020 at 12:38 PM
    #16
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    Right. First if he's tossing in a relay. Sorry, I meant as in you could go 14 and run it right to a switch, or check the relay to see what you'll need which what you specified would be fine.

    For something like ditch lights you could just run it through the switch.
     
  17. Mar 5, 2020 at 12:44 PM
    #17
    Dbarffish

    Dbarffish Well-Known Member

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    Was critical to get my old XJ lights replaced with way brighter lights and no fried switch!
     
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