How to Add Wires to an Automotive Fuse Box

By Nichole Liandi

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If you're adding electrical or electronic components to your car, you'll need a source of 12-volt DC power. One of the best ways to tap into your car's electrical system is to take advantage of empty slots in the car's fuse box. It's a simple matter to add a power wire for your new gear by tapping into this resource.

Step 1

Find the fuse box in your car. You may already know where it is; but if you don't, the best way to find it is to look in your car's owner's manual.

Step 2

Open your car's fuse box and look for an "open" fuse slot. This is a fuse slot that is powered, but is not connected to any of the car's electronic or electrical components. If you're not sure which slots are available, consult the owner's manual--it will list each of the fuse locations and their functions.

Step 3

Examine your fuse tap for the type of wire connector it accommodates. The fuse tap, as the name suggests, taps into the car's electrical system by taking the place of a fuse in the fuse box. You'll connect the power wire of any electronic or electrical device you're connecting to the fuse tap's connector. In most cases, the fuse tap employs a simple slide connector, but check the tap and its documentation to be sure.

Step 4

Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the wire you'll be connecting to the fuse tap with a pair of wire strippers and slide the appropriate wire connector onto the wire. Crimp the connector in place with a crimp tool.

Step 5

Insert the fuse tap, with the wire connected, into the fuse slot of the fuse box, metal-bladed side first.

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