This is my first post after lurking awhile, I've done searches and can't find the answer to this I'm installing some accessories and need a switched +12v source. Anyone know which one to tap?

Thanks!

 

the acc switch on the dash controls the plug under the seat.



mike

 

What Mike said...... or buy a multimeter.

 

By switched, I understand you to mean power that only appears after the bike is started, not through a toggle or rocker switch. Take it from the back of your cigarette lighter socket if you have one, otherwise as Shooter said use a multimeter. And be sure your taking power from the fused side.

 

Any orange with a white stripe.

 

Thanks guys. I did it with a multi meter on my last bike and even though I got a switched 12v, it was somehow the wrong one and screwed everything up.

 

Yep, you don't want to tap power off anything that has to do with your ECM, ignition, or gauges. For example, a class D stereo amp always has a high frequency switching power supply in its circuitry. Adding that into the wrong 12 volt bus could be disasterous if those high frequency pulses worked their way into your ECM or gauges via the power line. Same thing too if your 'addition' draws to much current and pulls down the power. Always best to take power directly from the battery, and if it needs to be switched automatically then do it from a relay wired to the cigarette plug.

 

Thanks! I'm installing a FuzeBlocks FZ1 so I don't have everything coming straight off the battery. I have a lot of accessories . The switched 12v hooks upto the FZ-1 just to trip the relay.

http://www.fuzeblocks.com

 

So for soemthing like that, could I tap off the running lights? It's not pulling any power, just turning on the relay...?

 

Yes, the running lights would be a great place to take the relay's switching power from. Relays typically pull about 100 milliamps of current, or about 1/10th of an amp. It certainly won't load down your lighting circuitry, just make sure the relay's contacts are rated well above the maximum current your accessories will draw. Otherwise over time the relay contacts will pit and develop carbon buildup on them, adding resistance and dropping the power to your accessories.