[BostonRidgeline]

Hi All,

Both the Front Accessory Sockets fuse and the Rear Accessory Socket fuse keep blowing every time I attempt to use my air compressor as it inflates to higher PSI. I'm fairly certain that I am only slightly going over peak current for a very short time. I'm considering putting in a larger fuse in the front accessory socket circuit. Can anyone answer me:

1) Is the front accessory socket wired directly back to the fuse box without anything else on the circuit?

2) Related the #1, is there anything else on this circuit that could be negatively impacted by putting in a larger (20A) fuse on this circuit?

3) The accessory socket will be used for the air compressor only in short bursts (less than 2 minutes) so I don't believe there will be any concern of wires overheating. Thoughts?

In advance, thanks for replying.

 

[dk miller]

Please do not oversize fuse an existing circuit. The fuse size is determined by the gauge of the wire supplying the socket.

It is much better (and safer) to install a dedicated socket wired directly to the battery. Fuse it with an inline fuse at the battery and if fusing at 20A use 12 gauge stranded copper wire.
You can install the socket at any convenient location. Good luck and have fun with your ride.

 

[speedlever]

Agree with dk miller.

What 12v air compressor are you using that draws that much power?

Is the affected fuse #32 in the underdash fuse box? If so, there are a number of things that will be affected by it. The rear accessory power socket (#9) seems to be by itself.

Or is it #5 in the aux underhood fuse box?

 

[BostonRidgeline]

Hi DK Miller & Speedlever - Thanks for responding.

The fuses that keep blowing are:
Front Power Outlet: #5 in the under the hood auxiliary fuse box
Rear Power Outlet: #9 in the under the dash interior fuse box
The tire inflator I'm using is:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12v-portable-inflator-w-digital-tire-pressure/p-02875114000P?prdNo=4
The compressor is fine when pumping automotive tires (32PSI), but the fuse goes when pumping some bicycle tires (+50PSI). The fuse blows just as the compressor exceeds 50PSI. .

I know what I'm considering is bad practice, but I'm OK taking the risk with stressing the wire and putting more current through than it is designed to handle. It will only be for short bursts. I don't know if anything related exists, but my concern is with blowing/cooking anything else that is related to slot #5 on the auxiliary fuse box..

Does anyone know if there is a wiring diagram available online that covers this?
Other than stressing the wire for short bursts, are you aware of anything related that is being risked if I place a 20amp fuse in slot #5 in the under the hood auxiliary fuse box?

Again, I fully realize this is bad practice, but I appreciate your knowledge on this?

Thanks again from Boston- Dan

 

[crimsonaudio]

Why not just wire an accessory plug directly to your battery under the hood?

 

[BostonRidgeline]

The reason I'm not wiring a direct line to the battery is the time required to do it. For many, this may be a 10 minute project, but for me, I have no doubt this will turn into a half-day or all day project. I don't have the time available to invest in this.

 

[speedlever]

Honestly, I don't think you want the wiring to be your fuse. Your compressor is a 15 amp device and your front power socket has a 15 amp fuse.

Play it safe and use something like this:

This is what I have and it clips directly to the battery. Works great too. It has a 45% duty cycle. Check out the customer comments.