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Subject Topic: Electrics Post Reply Post New Topic
Personhobbesy
09/7/2013 at 11:40am
 Location: Ashford Kent
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Well I've fitted a 12v trailer socket and everything is fine and I've just finished trying to wire up the 12s side.

the problem I'm having is one wire (red) needs to go to a switched live and I can find any in the engine bay.

can it not be wired directly to the battery knowing that if I park up for any length of time I'd have to disconnect the caravan as it'll just run the car battery down

Thanks

Rob


PersonDaveCoaches
09/7/2013 at 12:46pm
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Ignition switch, radio, cigarette lighter, fusebox, loads of places an ignition feed can be picked up. Actually the fuel pump might be best as this goes off if the engine stops.


Persontimtheenchanter
09/7/2013 at 12:50pm
 Location: Yeadon Leeds!
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erm, you have got a split charge relay in there havn't you??

The usual way to wire is either a standard split charge relay that is connected to the alternator, and connects to pin 6 (red) and 2 (blue)
Or a "smart" relay, this needs just one heavy weight cable form the battery, and connects 2 & 6 via its switch, and pin 4 (green) unswitched.

the smart relays monitor battery voltage, and click in when it reaches 13V (ish)

non of the 12S circuits are suitable for tapping into the vehicles electrics, and need to be properly fused an installed, damage can occur is not, even to the point of fire.


Personlisterdiesel
09/7/2013 at 4:01pm
 Location: Rushden Northants
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What vehicle is it?

Peter


Personhobbesy
09/7/2013 at 4:34pm
 Location: Ashford Kent
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The wiring is a complete kit bought off line, it has two fuse's and a relay. It has two wires going to the + side of the battery and one +wire that goes to a switched live.

The problem is I can't find a switched live anywhere in the engine compartment (spent a good hour) looks for it today.

The way my car is set up I can't get to the wiring loom that enters the car to put the switched live wire into the fuse box that's under the glove box.

So if I put the wire that meant for the switched live straight onto the battery what are the downsides? I can only think that the battery in the caravan will continue to charge even when the car ignition is off thus running the car battery down.

Rob


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Personhobbesy
09/7/2013 at 4:34pm
 Location: Ashford Kent
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Quote: Originally posted by listerdiesel on 09/7/2013
What vehicle is it?

Peter



It's a Ford C-max 2004


Personlisterdiesel
09/7/2013 at 7:51pm
 Location: Rushden Northants
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Quote: Originally posted by hobbesy on 09/7/2013
It's a Ford C-max 2004


I asked, as most cars have the trailer connections already in place, Land Rover were doing it back in the 1990's so I'd have thought that Ford have a similar thing.

Looking on the web, there is a fair bit of info, and this came up after a search on Google:

http://www.rightconnections.co.uk/sites/default/files/focus-fitting-instr.pdf

Peter


Personhobbesy
09/7/2013 at 9:20pm
 Location: Ashford Kent
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Thanks for the info Pete but I think this pdf is for the trailer part which I already have fitted


Personhobbesy
17/7/2013 at 1:42pm
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Still not having any luck finding the info on the web


PersonDaveCoaches
17/7/2013 at 2:55pm
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I bought a split charging relay from my local caravan dealer that takes an ignition feed too.


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Personhobbesy
17/7/2013 at 3:08pm
 Location: Ashford Kent
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Dave, got the split charge relay and all wired up fine BUT the single wire that is meant to go to a switched live is the problem.

I can't find one in my engine bay and that's where the issue is.

Rob


Personmalkeiron
17/7/2013 at 8:17pm
 Location: Derbyshire
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Just an idea but you could get switch live from side light. Means you will need to have the side lights on when running. You may need to check fuse size to see if compatible.


PersonRustybus
17/7/2013 at 10:25pm
 Location: East Woodhay
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If you use a sensing relay, then just go to the battery + side via a fuse

Split/sensing relay


Personalpiner
18/7/2013 at 6:47am
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f

Post last edited on 18/07/2013 06:55:25

-------------
alpiner


Persontimtheenchanter
18/7/2013 at 8:20am
 Location: Yeadon Leeds!
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what's the switched live for? if its for the split charge relay, is usually comes off the alternator, same connection as the charge warning light.


Personrobdashwood
18/7/2013 at 7:21pm
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Took mine from cigarette lighter as it is isolated when ignition off. Never had a problem.



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