How do I connect a wire to the fuse block?

[bjaspud]

I'm looking to hardwire my radar detector directly from the fuse box / block. Can anyone tell me how to connect to the German fuse holders? They are different from the glass or spade type fuses I'm used to on other vehicles.

I know I can use a scotch lock onto a hot wire but I find that to be a hack approach.

I'd like to make a clean connection directly to the box.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Spud

[bjaspud]

Ok you guys. Now I'm starting to feel like the ugly girl at the dance. Nobody will come talk to me.


Can anyone take a stab at my question?

How do I connect to the fuse block without hacking into a wire?

Spud

[djnolan]

is it a late or early model car? if a late car there may be spare fuses for what you want to do. been a while since I been into the fuse block so you'll have to check for me!

[jpk]

I'm assuming you have an early car because you mention "German" fuse holders. They're almost the same as the glass ones, except the pinch the ends of the fuse instead of the sides like the glass. You best bet is to tap the wires behind the fuse block; it simply unscrews and there's enough slack in that big mess of wires to pull it down and get to the back. Don't forget to disconnect the battery before you do this.
I'd just tap the dome light and use the constant on power; a radar detector doesn't draw much current, probably less than 300 mA, so even it you forget to turn it off, it's no biggie.

[bjaspud]

Yes it's an early car, 1985 series 1. The fuses are the ceramic kind. I'll try your suggestion. thanks

[hpservertech]

Just tap into 12v switched power behind the dash. Put an inline fuse in there though and ground to the body of the car. I wouldn't bother going to the fuse box.