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Okay, I have been putting off this project many times now, but I found out what the problem is:

I was trying to get power from the cig lighter by sticking a wire around the positive prong, then shoving the socket over it to secure its position. However, this is not working.

Is there any way I can get power from the cig lighter without splicing the wire? Detailed help is needed and much appreciated.

Thank you.

 
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I whould suggest just splicing the wire! Do it the right way once! instead of the wrong way twice!

 
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^ too late for "wrong way twice" hehe.

I honestly don't know how to properly splice a wire. I was never taught, and I never saw it done, so I'm kinda skeptical about my performance.

Maybe I'll just run wires to and from the battery.

One more quick question: Can I switch guages with wires? I have a fuse holder, but it's ten guage, and the rest of my project is gonna be 18 guage.

Thanks for your help.

 
Rep Power: 313

First off what are you trying to get power for?

Using a 10ga fuse holder and use 18ga wire thats ok just try not to do it the other way around.

Splicing is not as hard as you thing. Lots of ways to do it.

Best way
1.Strip shielding back (not cut!) until you've exposed the wire.
2. Wrap new wire around exposed wire.
3. Solder wires together
4. Tape all exposed wires

2nd best

1. Cut power wire (going cigarette lighter, leave enough room on both ends)
2. splice all wires together using a butt connector and crimpers


Another alternative

go to Radio shack and pick up some "T" connectors and splice that way (this is also the easiest but not the best)

 
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Okay, I ditched the cig lighter idea. I'm just gonna use the battery as a power source.

I understand that the fuse has to be within 18 inches from the battery, so would it be okay to use the fuse holder [10ga] as a starting point, then 18ga all the way through?

Thanks again for your help.

 
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Use tap connectors...

 
Rep Power: 313

Yeah that will work!