How to Hardwire a Radar Detector to Fuse
As with all electrical equipment, electrical surges, shorts and other malfunctions can damage or even destroy radar detectors. Most connect to your vehicle's electrical system through the cigarette lighter, and are protected by that circuit's fuse. However, sometimes they must connect directly to the battery, and so risk being damaged. You can wire a fuse directly into your detector's circuit, which will protect it from virtually all electrical damage.
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Instructions
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1
Cut the positive wire in half with your diagonal pliers. The positive wire connects your detector to the positive pole of your battery.
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2
Trim the insulation from the two newly created ends of the wire. Remove enough insulation so that 1/2 inch of conductor is visible on both wires.
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3
Trim the same amount of insulation from both ends of the inline fuse holder's wires.
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4
Twist the ends of the fuse holder's wires together with the power wire ends, one to the end of the wire connected to the detector, and the other to the end of the wire that connects to the battery.
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5
Twist wire nuts onto the exposed, spliced conductors to insulate them. Your wire nuts should be small enough to fit snugly onto the splices.
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6
Install a fuse of the proper amperage for your detector into the fuse holder by opening its cap. The fuse should slide into place. Close and secure the fuse holder cap.
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Tips & Warnings
Your detector's amperage is listed in its packaging.
Always disconnect a circuit from its power supply before servicing.
