Where is there a permanent 12V supply to wire a radar detector?
I would like to hardwire a radar detector into my car. The manufacturers have told me i need to connect the two wires, one to a PERMANENT 12V+ supply and the other to a 12V- supply.
Where coudl i connect these two, how about the 12v accessory plug in the passenger footwell. Does anyone know which wires are which?
Shoudl i add an inline fuse, manufacturer thought non necessary but i was not so sure?
RE: Where is there a permanent 12V supply to wire a radar detector?
An inline fuse wouldn't hurt if you're using the accessory plug. They provide enough current to burn out your detector (unless a fuse is built in) before its fuse would blow.
You need +12V and Ground ("negative" in cars), not "-12V". -12V and Ground (negative) are very different. I haven't seen the accessory plug's wiring yet but the standard in cars is: Red is +12V (positive) and Black is Ground (negative).
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RE: Where is there a permanent 12V supply to wire a radar detector?
Quote:
CMiYC - 10/7/2005 4:15 PM
An inline fuse wouldn't hurt if you're using the accessory plug. They provide enough current to burn out your detector (unless a fuse is built in) before its fuse would blow.
? A power source (car electrical system) only provides the current drawn by the device. It can't push current at the device. A fuse protects the electrical system from the device overloading the electrical system. A fuse does not protect the device.
This is not to say, having a fuse isn't a good idea. It would prevent your car fuse (or relay) from blowing if the radar detector power cord was pinched and shorted together or the detector itself developed an internal short.
RE: Where is there a permanent 12V supply to wire a radar detector?
Are you sure it calls for permanent and not switched? I would think you would want power switched with the ignition so that you don't run down the car battery if you forget to power off the radar detector.
Quote:
slk350driver - 10/7/2005 4:53 PM
... one to a PERMANENT 12V+ supply and the other to a 12V- supply.
RE: Where is there a permanent 12V supply to wire a radar detector?
Yes, the accessory plug works. I thought red/black was a pretty universal standard, but at least on my accessory plug, I think brown = ground and black/white striped = +12V. It wouldn't hurt to double-check with a meter.
As the others said, the fuse is optional when you're tapping into an existing, fused circuit. But an extra fuse won't hurt if it makes you feel better.
But I'd like to clarify one thing in your post: the request for a "permanent" +12V supply. The accessory plug is switched with the ignition key, so it cuts off when you turn off the car. That's typically what you want for a detector. There ARE many circuits in the car that are always on, even when the ignition is off, but wiring a detector into them would risk draining your battery. Do you have some kind of detector that really requires power all the time? (GPS-based computer or something?)
Gordon and I have posted descriptions and pics of our hardwiring efforts. Here are the links, or you can search for "V1" if these links don't work.
RE: Where is there a permanent 12V supply to wire a radar detector?
I think there is a permanent 12V supply feed going to the back of the upper control panel control unit (N72/1) (the unit with the heated seat,airscarf etc buttons on)
RE: Where is there a permanent 12V supply to wire a radar detector?
I think the instructions are calling for Permanent as in always physically available. If it was calling for constant 12V supply, then I'd start assuming they don't want switched power.
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