Tapping/running power for edge box and gauges

[Gravy]

So, I am finally getting off my arse and starting to put the parts on my truck I have been collecting.

I have everything I need now for every gauge(FP, Boost, trans temp, pyro) and I am looking to finally install them. I also just picked up a drag comp and I am wondering what is the best to go about supplying power to all these new items. I have already had one go around with wiring up an old gauge with this truck and have an electrical gremlin I cannot put my hands on yet with the dash lights from that excursion.

So, I am wondering what is the best way to go about doing this? I put this together in paint to give my idea of how to do it.

What I need to know is
a) will this work?
b) where to tap power in for the feeds(load), #86 on the relay for the constant power on the edge/fp power
c) where to tap power in for the feeds for the headlight switched power on the lights.

I am also planning on relaying my raptor pump, so I was just planning on making new battery connections and adding a monster cable distribution block in the engine bay.

Thanks.

-Greg

 

[Gravy]

Actually, could I run all them off one relay(I dont care about the lights being on in the daytime), put a 20 amp fuse from the battery, still feed a distribution block, then run a separate 10A fused wire to the edge, a separate 3A wire to the FP power, and then run a separate 5A to the gauge lights and wire them in series?

 

[Billysgoat]

Pick a large fuse in the dash panel and tap that, the small fuses are a major PITA to get a tap on. There are a couple of key hot relays under the hood, if you are good you can tap one of those, but be careful. Should work as diagrammed, but you will not have any light dimming capability which I think you will want. A variable resistor on the ground side of the lights will take care of that.

 

[Gravy]

Any suggestion on which large fuse to tap?

I have no experience with variable ground resistors. Can you please give me a little insight on that? Thanks.

 

[Billysgoat]

Something non critical such as the courtesy stuff, interior lights, radio etc so that if it blows, your truck doesn't die.

Go to Radio Shack, and if you can find someone with half a clue ask them about a speedpot or potentiometer, what you are wanting to do is vary the amount of ground the lights can get, with a regular bulb this will have the effect of dimming the light output.