Which side is live? [Archive] - Snowplowing-Contractors.com - Let's Talk Snow.com Discussion Forums

RibbleConstruction

02-16-2006, 09:51 AM

Please dont label me as an idiot for this one. I need to know which side of the fuse is hot. How can i figure it out on my own in the future? I know its a simple answer but for some reason I cant think straight.

Will

02-16-2006, 11:07 AM

I don't think a fuse has a live / ground side. You mean a fuse fuse, right? Like a blade or cylinder fuse? I think you just pop those in and your good to go.

RibbleConstruction

02-16-2006, 11:09 AM

Yeah thats what i am talking about. But, lets say I want to draw power from a spot that is already fused. ( Radio Clock) But I want the protection of the fuse. Isnt one side always live and then the other side only hot while the fuse is unbroken.

Mark Oomkes

02-16-2006, 11:28 AM

Yes, not 100% sure, but I think they all do them different and you need a circuit tester.

TLS

02-16-2006, 11:44 AM

Yes, you'll have to use a circut test light or a multimeter.

If your going to use a fuse tap, don't use the cheap brass jobs that slip over the fuse leg. Use one of these.

http://news.thomasnet.com/images/medium/2004/06/452713.jpg

wyldman

02-16-2006, 11:58 AM

You need a test light.Remove the fuse,and check terminals for power.The one that still has power is the input side.

If you want the protection of the fuse,then you connect to the output side (not hot with fuse removed).This isn't normally recommended,as the added draw,on top of the existing draw,may blow the fuse.Adding a larger fuse may overload the circuit itself,as these newer truck use very small wiring.

You should normally tap in with an "add a circuit",like pictured above.This gives you two separate fused circuits.One for the original circuit,and one for the accessory your adding on.Make sure the original circuit will support it though.Adding on a high draw device will probably overload it.

If you do need to draw a fair bit of current (over 10 amps),then look at installing an isolated fuse panel just for your accessories.They usually draw power directly from the battery,and have a small relay triggered by a keyed hot source.Very nice when you need a fused circuit,as now you have a few extra.