How to wire a switch with an inline fuse - Honda CRZ Forum: Honda CR-Z Hybrid Car Forums

sandwich14 · 11-02-2011, 07:17 PM

With a three pronged switch that I plan to use on some led's, I am confused on where the fuse would go. Power from the battery comes in to the switch to one prong, while another prong goes to ground. The third prong is the load one which supplies the led's with power when turned on. The led's will also be grounded. My question is, if I am wiring an inline fuse, does it go inbetween the battery and the switch or inbetween the switch and the led's?

Also, is a 1 amp fuse sufficient for an led strip?

Lankysean · 11-02-2011, 07:24 PM

Before the switch, closest to the battery. As for a 1 amp fuse, I suppose it would depend on the length of the strip and the numbers of LEDs on it.

cyeung · 11-02-2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankysean

Before the switch, closest to the battery.

I agree with that. That way, you minimize the length of unprotected wire that can possibly short to ground. Now, remember that fuses and circuit breakers' primary purpose is to protect the wiring, not your lights. So, what fuse you choose ultimately depends on what size wiring you decide to use.

On that note, I recommend 20 AWG or larger. Anything thinner than that is not recommended because the wiring may break from being vibrated.

My recommendation: 2.5-amp fuse with 20 AWG wiring.

sandwich14 · 11-02-2011, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the replies. I was going with 18 gauge wire, but can change it to 20 gauge if needed. Also the LED strip is 36 inches long with 36 led's total. Is 2.5 amps still sufficient?

Lankysean · 11-02-2011, 10:43 PM

18 gauge is larger then 20, gauges are weird that way. As for the fuse, I'm not sure but I ran WAY more then that on a 5amp in my last car.... something like 300 LEDs, so yeah I'd assume it is fine.

11-02-2011, 07:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
sandwich14 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 123	How to wire a switch with an inline fuse With a three pronged switch that I plan to use on some led's, I am confused on where the fuse would go. Power from the battery comes in to the switch to one prong, while another prong goes to ground. The third prong is the load one which supplies the led's with power when turned on. The led's will also be grounded. My question is, if I am wiring an inline fuse, does it go inbetween the battery and the switch or inbetween the switch and the led's? Also, is a 1 amp fuse sufficient for an led strip?

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11-02-2011, 07:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lankysean Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 453	Before the switch, closest to the battery. As for a 1 amp fuse, I suppose it would depend on the length of the strip and the numbers of LEDs on it.

11-02-2011, 10:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
sandwich14 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 123	Thanks for the replies. I was going with 18 gauge wire, but can change it to 20 gauge if needed. Also the LED strip is 36 inches long with 36 led's total. Is 2.5 amps still sufficient?

11-02-2011, 10:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lankysean Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 453	18 gauge is larger then 20, gauges are weird that way. As for the fuse, I'm not sure but I ran WAY more then that on a 5amp in my last car.... something like 300 LEDs, so yeah I'd assume it is fine.