Wiring DC

[fstfrd00]

Is it a good idea to run USB and 12v (cigarette lighter) directly to a lithium battery. Or do something like the picture and run everything through a solar charge controller?


I dont need any AC plugs.

I'm pretty dense when it comes to wiring.

 

[HighVoltOverland]

You can safely wire stuff straight to a battery but it would generally help with battery health to have an intermediate device
Charge controller can help to normalize the power coming out of the battery.

 

[grubworm]

use a fuse block. wire the fuse block directly to the battery and then every circuit you run will be a separate circuit, each protected by a fuse. its simple to do...buy the block and wire the +/- terminals of the battery to the +/- terminals of the fuse block and then wire your USB connector with the ground wire (black) going to the ground bus (metal bar with multiple screws on it) and the hot wire to a screw coming right off of a fuse. that way your circuit is protected and isolated from the others.
simple and cheap. click on the link under the pic and order the size you need

Amazon.com : marine fuse block

 

[El-Dracho]

use a fuse block. wire the fuse block directly to the battery and then every circuit you run will be a separate circuit, each protected by a fuse. its simple to do...buy the block and wire the +/- terminals of the battery to the +/- terminals of the fuse block and then wire your USB connector with the ground wire (black) going to the ground bus (metal bar with multiple screws on it) and the hot wire to a screw coming right off of a fuse. that way your circuit is protected and isolated from the others.
simple and cheap. click on the link under the pic and order the size you need


View attachment 271219

Amazon.com : marine fuse block

I would also use a fuseblock.

And above all, I would first make a plan of what is to be installed and what electrical consumers might be added in the near future. I would then size the additional electrics accordingly. Otherwise you're always starting again and again.

Additonally, I would install a main fuse between the fuse block and battery, sufficiently dimensioned of course, also the wiring. This has also a side effect bevause this way, you can disconnect the additional electrical system from the rest and have an unmodified original electrical system. That makes any troubleshooting easier.

By the way, we have an Electronics and Electric Q&A subforum here. You'll find lots of solutions there. But please be careful, faulty electrics can lead to a disaster. It's better to have a professional with the appropriate expertise do it if you don't have the knowledge and appropriate tools yourself. Perhaps there is a member near you who can help?

 

[Speric]

I'm no electrician, but I recently installed a house battery in my camper after researching it ad nauseam, and that wiring diagram scares me. lol
Why is there a fuse on the ground from the battery? and is that inverter just tapping into the line there? and why doesn't it have a fuse? especially an inverter.
And definitely get a fuse block to wire up any ports or accessories like lights to it so they are fused. Essentially every red wire should be fused.
And if you add things like an inverter, and a fuse block, and... then you might want to busbars.

 

[grubworm]

just remember, when it comes to electricity...you are only limited by your imagination...

 

[North American Sojourner]

Solar power goes thru the charge controller and to the battery. I draw power from the battery to a fuse box and also to charging ports. 12 total. Not a problem.
Zim