Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Making my Contour a Christmas Tree

Hey guys,

I know basics about electronics but what about electronic in car. I want to add a little switch in my contour that will allow me to turn on some lights lets say under the car. (I want to see if the boogy man is under my car when it's dark). I'd like to connect it to the fuse box... Now what I need to know is how they rate a fuse.. If it's rated 7.5, I guess that is 7.5 amps. Is that right?

Also, if I have 2 bulbs that will take 5 amps each. Can I connect both on the same fuse?
If so, will I then require a 10 rated fuse?

And for the voltage I guess I don't have to worry about that since it's 12v all over...

Thanx guys for you time...
I'll help you guys if you have web/programming related questions.

It would be much easier to create your own circut, by running power wires direct from the battery with an inline fuse, which you can buy anyplace that sells electrical stuff like radio shack.

I understand your wanting to make connections directly to the fuse box so you don't have to run wires through the fire wall, but I think the above, would be most effective and safer since you are not hacking into the cars electrical system.

Ok thanx man.

I think I'll do what you suggested. But still, there's one question that is left unanswered.

Lets say I run one circuit to the back for 2 bulbs. Both bulbs are 5 amps. Will I require a 10 amp fuse? I'm guessing that yes but since I'm not an expert I want to make sure.
Also I guess I can run one wire and have devices that will require different amp running rates... Lets say one's 10 amp and the other one is 5 I could just use a 15 amp fuse?

Thanks again for the help.

YES!

Two 5-amp lamps will require a 10-amp fuse. Make sure you use the right size wire (smaller gauge numbers are thicker wires) . [What I can remember off of the top of my head is that a 12-gauge wire is good up to 20 amps.]

HTH

Mike