Best place to tap into accessories circuit?

[5T3L7H Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 5T3L7H]

Hi gurus,

I'm looking to tap into my accessories circuit, so I can run some work lights. Lights will be fed directly from the battery, and will be switched via a relay (and switch). The relay and switch will be fed from the accessories circuit to prevent accidental power drain.

As mentioned, load on the accessories circuit will only be a relay, so current draw is negligible. However, I may add more gadgets in the future that could also require switching via the accessories circuit. Could potentially have 2, 3, 4 (?) relays powering other items (still negligible current, really?). No plans in the immediate future, just considering my options to prevent re-working things at a later date.

I'm a sparky by trade, so no issues with the technicalities of things, really just wondering if there's a better spot to tap into than the stereo? I know the stereo might be one of the prime candidates to use, I just hate the accessibility where the loom is...

Information regarding other options or experience with similar projects would be great.

Cheers,

Dan

[nanbar Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close nanbar]

I fitted driving lights 1.5 years ago and still haven't wired it up so that the switch lights up with the dash lights. I just dropped off my 150 for its service 10 minutes ago so I asked the Toyota service guy if they could do me a favor and connect that wire somewhere, he reckons you cant tap in under the dash, the wire needs to go into the engine bay somewhere, big job, blah blah blah. I think I got a dud who is a bigger electrical retard than me so I told him not to worry about it.

[red hilux Member Find all posts View Profile Close red hilux]

Buy a fuse tap and come off the cig circuit

Something like ths
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271498821521

[5T3L7H Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 5T3L7H]

Buy a fuse tap and come off the cig circuit

I'm such an idiot..... Haha!

Thanks Hilux, I have no idea why the cig jack didn't come to mind...

Problem solved!

[Bobcrusader Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bobcrusader]

How does everyone avoid having a big ugly wire sticking out the side of the fuse box when using these fuse taps?

[5T3L7H Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 5T3L7H]

How does everyone avoid having a big ugly wire sticking out the side of the fuse box when using these fuse taps?

Hi Bob,

I can't speak for the Prado fusebox, as I haven't done any "fixing" in there (yet). However, I have done similar mods in previous vehicles I've owned - Adding or removing fuses/relays inside the factory fuse box.

In my experience I've found that any wires can generally be fed down through the "face" of the fuse box, and fished out the bottom with the rest of the loom. There are usually gaps left over from spare circuits, which can be handy for many different things. Achieving a factory appearance is extremely time consuming and frustrating, but achievable. In the context of these fuse taps, I suppose the end result would also depend on the location of your chosen tapped circuit. ie. If its in a busy spot, it might still look messy despite being routed through the bottom - But I still think you could keep the cabling inside without running externally.

I've also been contemplating the installation of an aftermarket Bussmann branded fusebox. This (or a similar product) might be an alternative for you instead of tapping into factory wiring? They have a very OEM appearance, and lots of different configuration options. Haven't got my hands on one yet, so can't comment apart from what I've read on the web. They're on the pricier end of the scale, so I guess it depends how much stuff you are adding, and your DIY capabilities when it comes to electrical work.