Splitting the 12v connector into two?

[dls235]

Hey everyone,

Non-electrician here. Can the 12v wire in the bed be split into two separate connectors? One to power an LED light and one to power a charging/usb outlet station?

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[icegradner]

That would depend on the power/amp/voltage needs of what you are wiring, if it's within the power range provided by the fuse, it should be fine. Someone who knows the power limits of each line will likely provide better information.

 

[dls235]

Each of the items I’m looking at say 12v, they also both have their own dedicated power switch/button so as long as I’m not putting both on at the same time, I think it would be fine?

 

[Rednek]

In shop manuals the rear outlets are a 20A fused circuit so as long as you don't go over that rating should be fine

 

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

In shop manuals the rear outlets are a 20A fused circuit so as long as you don't go over that rating should be fine

I think it's a 20A fused circuit but uses 16 AWG wiring, which is usually rated for 10-17A (depending on what's used), so it's not ideal to do more than that. Bed lights usually use 1-2A and 12v sockets usually cap at 10A, so it's probably safe to split.

 

[BlueOval1954]

I think it's a 20A fused circuit but uses 16 AWG wiring, which is usually rated for 10-17A (depending on what's used), so it's not ideal to do more than that. Bed lights usually use 1-2A and 12v sockets usually cap at 10A, so it's probably safe to split.

I thought 16 AWG wire supports a max of 13A. It would be strange that 16 AWG wire is protected by a 20 A fuse. Wouldn't the wire have issue's before the fuse would blow ?

 

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

I thought 16 AWG wire supports a max of 13A. It would be strange that 16 AWG wire is protected by a 20 A fuse. Wouldn't the wire have issue's before the fuse would blow ?

This is from the connector supplier, it follows a different recommendation than the AWG (American Wire Gauge standard). You are correct that 16AWG would have an issue at the higher current so it is a strange choice. I recall seeing some literature during the 1st year that said there were two dedicated 10A fuses - not a single 20A - and in that case the wiring is just fine. I'm guessing that they simplified it for cost-savings... which isn't entirely unreasonable. Since most 12V devices/accessories cap at either 10A or 12.5A, it would be rare to see a combined load hover exactly in the 17A-20A range. Since they use a(n annoyingly expensive) fast-blow fuse and 16AWG can have max short current of 22-34A, then no harm would be done in a short situation either.

They basically designed for 99% of people to either use below the current or WAY over (short). In that 1% of cases, then they violated the 180W rating that's specified in the manual and their own fault.

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