I need to find a 12 v source in my car. It is for somelighting i bought that will be near my pedals. Anyone know where to find it?

 

anyone?

 

cigarette lighter?

 

or just tap into your battery behind the firewall... If the lights require an exact 12 volts you will need a regulator in the circuit because the battery will run a little hotter than 12 volts (mine runs about 14.2) Another idea would be if you have a stereo system just tap into the cable going to your amp that way you wouldn't have to deal with the other side of the firewall in fact even the stock deck has a wire you can tap into for 12 volts take your pick buddy.

 

Hold on, hold on!!! It's right there, on the fuse box! Just find an empty spot on the box, find yourself a fuse holder for round fuses (including a fuse of course) and plug it right there. 10A should be enough for lighting. If you want, I'll find the right spot for you tomorrow... PM me for help.

Oh, and please don't go directly to the battery if you're not sure what you're doing! This can become a bit dangerous...

 

HHMMM, something that takes 12 volts that is going to be installed by your pedals. I don't think its safe to use these types of toys while driving.

 

Now, with all seriousness, use the fusebox. There's no reason to go directly to the battery.

Sentinel: Are you sure your battery runs at 14.2 and not your alternator? I've never know a 12v battery to not run at 12v, except when it's not called a 12v battery.

 

If you're going for the fusebox, use the empty spot in the middle row, it's switched on by the ignition. The two in the lower row are always on.

I just wired in my radar detector last weekend to come on when I start the car. Works nice.

EDIT: Forgot to add: the lower of the two contacts in the empty spot in the middle row is the +12v. I don't know where the other one goes, if anywhere. I made a small crimp-on spade to fit in the lower slot, and ran an inline fuse. There's also a nice, easily accessible ground on the side of the car, about 8-10 inches away from the fusebox. Use a ring terminal, and bolt down your ground with the other 2 or 3 that are there.

 

Yes, it's the alternator that runs at (usually) 14.x volts, but if you were to measure battery voltage with the car running, you'd get 14.x volts.

And if those lights are designed for use in an automotive application, they can handle the difference in voltage without a regulator.