Fuse for multiple gauges...

[ThumperSS]

Hey guys and gals. I'm about to install 2 of the 4 gauges onto my car but am a bit confused on what fuse to use. Heres the deal, instead of wiring the gauges to my cig lighter I plan to use a 30amp relay which is connected to the battery. the relay will be connected to a fuse holding unit which will contain (4) fast acting 4 amp fuses for each of the gauges. (They are autometer ultralites). I have yet to get the 2 other gauges because I dont need them right now. Now i was reading to just add up all the amps and use that number for the fuse which will go before the relay. Now if thats correct I should be using a 16amp fuse but I dont think they make that fuse. Could I use a 20amp fuse instead? I just need some clarification on how to find out what fuses to use. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[steve]

This is serious overkill.

Most gauges don't used enought current to justify putting them on a circuit by themselves much less on a relay.
I'd be surprised if they needed more than 2A total and I'd guess most of that would be for the light bulbs. I think my EGT is the only guage I have that needs power for anything other than the lighting. What gauges are you installing? (I know they are Autometer Ultralites)

I just tapped into the existing illumination circuit so that my gauges dim off the main rheostat.

Steve

 

[ThumperSS]

Well I didn't want to start leeching off other wires for power when they prob are only made for that load and also wanted a more organized way to wire my extras. As of right now I plan on wiring an oil and volt meter and later when needed an egt and boost meter. I was just going by what I have read on the installation sheet that came with the gauges saying a 4 amp fuse was recommend. I guess I might just plug them into something that already exists.

 

[selmerguy]

Well I didn't want to start leeching off other wires for power when they prob are only made for that load and also wanted a more organized way to wire my extras. As of right now I plan on wiring an oil and volt meter and later when needed an egt and boost meter. I was just going by what I have read on the installation sheet that came with the gauges saying a 4 amp fuse was recommend. I guess I might just plug them into something that already exists.

i am not saying i am right but... i have 7 autometer gauges and i leached all of them. no problems for over a year.

 

[ThumperSS]

i am not saying i am right but... i have 7 autometer gauges and i leached all of them. no problems for over a year.

If you can power 7 gauges then I shouldn't have a problem powering my 4. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't taking more power than what is given in those skinny wires. Thank you gentlemen.