Wiring Blue Sea Block to Power Only When Key is On

So I've been reading through the Blue Sea fuse block install threads and will be installing one once my LEDs come in. I plan on adding other things later as well, however I'd like to wire it so that all of my accessories/lights that will be wired to the fuse block will only get power when the key is turned on in the ignition. Basically, I don't want the possibility of something staying on and draining power.

I'm assuming that most of the setups shown in the install threads with the fuse block wired directly to the battery, so there's always power connected to the block.

What is the proper way to wire a fuse block so that all of the devices attached to it only receive power when the key is in the acc or on position? Or is a fuse block the wrong way to approach this?

My electrical knowledge is pretty basic and I haven't done anything with wiring on the Tacoma yet.

Thanks for your help.

 

@Iggy.

 

Use a contactor (double pole relay) between the battery and fuse block. Wire the contactor to engage with ignition on.

 

You can do one of two things. What @robssol said. Get a big relay or contactor that connects power from the battery to the Bluesea when acc power is applied.

Or what I prefer, relays at each fused outlet from the Bluesea. It's a bit more work because you need to add relays and all the wiring for them, but it's the most reliable way to do it.

 

This is actually the method I used. I wanted to use the lights (underhood, bed, and light bar) anytime, and are apparent if left on. The heated mirrors are on a timer switch and turn off after 10-15 min. You must have the coil power for the relays routed through the acc power.

 

Thanks for the input. If I were to go the contactor route, what size/Amp rating contactor would I need?

I may try the contactor route first and then set it up for individual relays later on when I add more things to it.

 

The contactor size is directly related to the amp limit of the fuse box. What size Bluesea did you get?

 

Planning to go with the 12 circuit BlueSea and a 100 Amp Bussman Breaker.

 

So how did this work out for the OP? I have the same concerns about leaving on something that will kill the battery. I'm a 1st gen though, but isn't there a switched source large enough to handle the amperage for the Blue Sea?

Edit: Switched source under the hood.

 

I doubt you'll find a switched 100 amp circuit to tap into.

Use something like this and switch it on and off work the truck. In any event, find something rated continuous duty.

https://www.extremeoutback.com/product/100-amp-relay/