Fuse Block help please?

Dont know if this is the right place for this one, as i dont see an Electrical section.

I have a Fuse block with Power in on each fuse and 1 Ground out on block to negative of battery.

So heres my question. I have it all wired, and works well, but when i have my HIDs, and Lightbar connected to it the switch lights stay on inside the truck (because it has a constant power and ground to it) How can i fix this issue? Id like to run them to the direct power of my fuse block instead of to the Add-a-Fuse i currently have them too. I dont mind the switches on when the truck is on but i dont want them on when i have the truck off. Thanks. I can post pics if needed of the wiring.

 

Here are two pics of what im working with. Not the best but i do plan on upgrading to Bluesea one day when i have the money, and i had this one laying around at the house.

 

I've seen some guys run their whole fuse block off a master switch that then powers the rest of the switches. I'm sure there is a much more elegant solution to get your lights (or at least the switches) to be powered when the truck is on, but this should be a little easier.

 

bump

 

Thanks Ghost Ship for the info, i have seen the same on a few trucks but There has to be another way. Is there a way to put a master toggle to the inside of the truck that can turn the fuse block on or off??

 

Yeah, that's what I meant. I'll talk to a buddy of mine that has some fancy wiring and see what he did or can come up with and report back. I'm not crazy about my switches being hot all the time either. It's cool when you need quick light and can just reach into the cab and flip a switch without turning the key, but I don't like that at night the inside of my truck looks like a Scooby-doo episode where they walk through the creepy forest and all you see are little bright eyes in the shadows.

 

You could run a line from an acc circuit to a high current relay wired into your supply line to the fuse box. That would activate the relay only when the car is on or on acc. Just a thought.

 

^^^
That's good advice... Will make it so your switches aren't lit up when your truck is not on. Also better for the switches to have the main power running through a relay rather than the switch itself.

I'd use an add a fuse from an ACC slot to your switch, then from switch to a relay. Switch will only work when you key is to ACC or started. Then have your main power to the lights running through your relay instead of through the switches.

 

Thanks for the help, does anyone have a diagram on how that would be wired? also what kind of relay should i get?

 

I can maybe sketch you something tonight if nobody else does it before then.

 

Ok, truly a sketch...
Hope this helps. I haven't had time to look for a suitable relay, but just look for a normal open SPST that has a small current draw but a suitable current carrying capability to satisfy the demand at your fuse block. You can get a relay module much like your fuse block that will take standard automotive relays and allow you to easily wire to them.

 

Awesome! thank you very much

 

That will work. As shown once the key is in ACC or the truck is on anything hooked up in the fuse block turns on. A variation would be to have a disconnect switch where you show the relay and then individual relays for each accessories where you show the to load lines. Then each accessory could be turned on independently by switch. Either way you will also want an inline fuse between the battery and the fuse block.

@DougsGraphics not trying to step on your toes. Your drawing will work, just giving the OP another wiring option.

Also make sure you are using the correct gauge wire for everything

 

No problem and good points all around. Of course, his issue originally was the individual load switches were powered at all times, so he has switches installed. But a master fuse for the fuse block is a must. Some have them in the block, but not sure about this one.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Herko-Bosch...VDC-/360919592949?hash=item54087beff5&vxp=mtr

Would this work?? and what size wire should i run from the battery to this relay? Currently i have a Battery cable from the fuse box to the battery, and i know i wont be able to run this relay with that big of a wire (dont have a plug that big.)