Wiring Help
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,681
Likes: 12,803
From: Wyoming
If you're only going into the cab, it's a lot shorter. I'll always round up on distance and amps to be on the safe side.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 688
You asked...
Well, that's because...
And then observed...
Actually it does. As an aircraft mechanic I learned there are things on aircraft that are designed to be turned off /on repeatedly and those things will get a switch in line with the breaker. Things like lights and coffee makers. The breaker (or fuse) is there to protect the wiring. Things not intended to be turned on/off a lot will only have a breaker. We sometimes had equipment replaced several times because it "keeps tripping breaker". Turns out the breaker was used as a switch and was worn out.
I think the OP would be best served by wiring into an upfitter. It easy and already protected by a fuse. Plus has the option to be turned off.
Well, that's because...
And then observed...
Actually it does. As an aircraft mechanic I learned there are things on aircraft that are designed to be turned off /on repeatedly and those things will get a switch in line with the breaker. Things like lights and coffee makers. The breaker (or fuse) is there to protect the wiring. Things not intended to be turned on/off a lot will only have a breaker. We sometimes had equipment replaced several times because it "keeps tripping breaker". Turns out the breaker was used as a switch and was worn out.
I think the OP would be best served by wiring into an upfitter. It easy and already protected by a fuse. Plus has the option to be turned off.
Wiring it to an upfitter switch to reduce wear on the panel's switch adds the inconvenience to first have to turn on a switch in the cab to use the power outlet at the rear of the truck. This may or may not be a benefit depending on how frequently the OP uses the power outlet.
Wiring it to an upfitter switch because it already is fused provides no benefit unless the wiring to the panel is sized to the upfitter fuse rating. Sizing the wire to the upfitter switch fuse rating will add cost.
