Fuse boxes on 2003 Boxer

Further to my earlier posts on another topic, flat battery and alarm system. Because the two accessory sockets are wired through the ignition the plan was to wire in a 12v extension lead to a spare fuse as suggested by Frank, Boxerman. I then had a 'better' idea. Why not move the existing wiring from the 12v 'power' socket to a spare 'always on' fuse.I had a good look today and gave it best. The two fuse panels have no ID on them nor do the fuse positions. Both fuse holder bases are bolted to brackets on the firewall and I cannot find a permanent 12v supply anyway. The alarm supply seems to be directly from the battery so I have to find where that cable comes through the bulkhead and wire a new fused supply from there. Alternatively I could put a fused supply from the hab battery to a new socket somewhere low on the dash, much like the 'good old days' when cars came without cigarette lighters,windscreen washers and de-misters. Anyway, that's a project for next year now.

Hi bertb

Why don’t you go straight from the vehicle battery to a new, fitted, 12V accessory socket with an in-line fuse mounted close to the battery ‘hot’ terminal? The vehicle battery (+) has provision for a number of connections to come off it and it is located close to your driving position.

You will then be able to use this socket without having to have your key in the ignition, so it would be suitable for one of these small solar chargers with the cigarette lighter plug.

Just be careful about running other things from it when parked up as they will contribute to current drain which can mount up over several weeks and can cause battery failure. In this regard watch out for the lamp located in the sliding door step as this is live all of the time and if your switch is temperamental, like mine was, then this can result in the lamp coming on and staying on when not required. In my case, I removed the 12V festoon lamp as it was not needed. Although it is only a 10W lamp and is fed from the vehicle battery it would contribute to a flat battery if left on over time.

Keith

Yes that's what I am going to do I think Keith. It's not a major problem, just an inconvenience. As for the sliding door light, haven't got one. At least I've not seen it. There is a switch in the door pillar but I assume that's for the Sigma alarm. Which BTW I have not had a problem with at all. Except when I forget it's on and open the MH with the Peugeot remote and set the alarm off as I get in......

Our van has the leisure battery under the drivers seat and and it is boxed in, so I have fitted a 12v socket into one of the box in panels,and wired it directly to the leisure battery via a line fuse. It does of course depend on what you want to use the socket for, as to whether this location is suitable.

Brian

Hello Brian. Mine is the same and I might do that although it would be more useful nearer the front.
Starting to collect the parts tomorrow.