A fuse works by breaking an electrical circuit when too much electricity flows through it.
Radar detectors are widely used by motorists to avoid speeding tickets and are generally legal in all 50 states. They can be connected through a cigarette lighter socket, usually. This puts that socket's fuse between the detector and the battery, ensuring the device is not overloaded. Sometimes, though, they must be connected to the battery directly, which can lead to damage from overloads, shorts, etc. This can be avoided by installing a fuse between the detector and the battery.
Instructions
1. Select a section of the power wire running between your detector and power supply. This wire generally runs directly from the radar detector to the battery, but may be strung through the dash or tucked under trimming to keep it from entangling a passenger's feet. The section should be easy to access, with limited exposure to heat and water.
2. Cut the wire in two with your wire cutters. Trim the plastic insulation off both newly created ends, leaving about 1/2 an inch of the metal conductor exposed.
3. Trim the insulation from the ends of the wires attached to your inline blade fuse holder. A blade fuse holder is a wire connected in the middle to a small fuse box. This holder allows you to splice a fuse into any electrical circuit. It is widely available at auto-repair and electronics shops.
4. Twist one end of the blade fuse holder's wire to the wire attached to your radar. Twist the other fuse holder wire together with the wire attached to your battery. Use wire nuts to secure the two twisted portions of the wires. Wire nuts are are small, plastic caps that cover exposed conductors by twisting over the splice, and they can be found in any department, hardware or automotive store.
5. Install a fuse with the same amperage rating as your radar detector by flipping up the cap of your blade fuse holder and sliding the fuse into place. Securely fasten the cap when done.
Tags: fuse holder, blade fuse, blade fuse holder, attached your, detector battery, fuse holder wire, holder wire