Introduction: 12 V DC Battery Box.
This is my multi use battery box to supply a 12V supply or 5V USB supply when out camping .
It can be used for anything that runs off a 12V cig lighter socket, standard SAE connection or USB connection.
Idea for charging phones , lights, fish finders etc etc.
It can be used for anything that runs off a 12V cig lighter socket, standard SAE connection or USB connection.
Idea for charging phones , lights, fish finders etc etc.
Supplies
Duratool water resistant case.
4 way fuse block ( non LED to prevent parasitic drain of battery.
12V 7Ahr or larger 12Ahr rechargeable battery.
4 X toggle switches
12V volt meter
12V SAE Panel connector
12V cig lighter socket
12V USB dual socket 1A/2A
Crimp connector s
In Line fuse holder.
Earth bar
Fuses ( standard blade type )
4 way fuse block ( non LED to prevent parasitic drain of battery.
12V 7Ahr or larger 12Ahr rechargeable battery.
4 X toggle switches
12V volt meter
12V SAE Panel connector
12V cig lighter socket
12V USB dual socket 1A/2A
Crimp connector s
In Line fuse holder.
Earth bar
Fuses ( standard blade type )
Step 1: Decide Your Connections for Accessories
This all depends on what you require.
My main requirements were for the following.
A cigarette lighter socket for a standard cigarette plug.
A USB socket to supply 5V supply for phones/tablets/map reading lights or anything else that runs off a USB connection.
A SAE Panel socket to supply anything with a SAE connection.
I also use this as a battery charger connection.
For this I use a battery tender 800 Milli amp hr charger.
This just plugs in to charge the battery up to full capacity.
A voltmeter to show battery voltage.
This gives you a rough idea of how much battery power is left.
Each item is switched individually using a toggle switch.
My main requirements were for the following.
A cigarette lighter socket for a standard cigarette plug.
A USB socket to supply 5V supply for phones/tablets/map reading lights or anything else that runs off a USB connection.
A SAE Panel socket to supply anything with a SAE connection.
I also use this as a battery charger connection.
For this I use a battery tender 800 Milli amp hr charger.
This just plugs in to charge the battery up to full capacity.
A voltmeter to show battery voltage.
This gives you a rough idea of how much battery power is left.
Each item is switched individually using a toggle switch.
Step 2: Battery Choice
I've used a 12V 12Ah rechargeable type. It fits nicely in the center of the box , giving just enough room for the switches and components either side.
You could also use one or two 7Ah batteries depending on your requirements.
The wiring diagram is a guide to how I did mine.
One main in line fuse and four individually fused circuits.
You could also use one or two 7Ah batteries depending on your requirements.
The wiring diagram is a guide to how I did mine.
One main in line fuse and four individually fused circuits.
Step 3: Putting It All Together
It's best to dry run your layout before you start drilling and fixing.
Each of my connections and voltmeter are individually switched for convenience.
I installed one main in line fuse off the positive terminal terminal of the battery.
This runs to a separate fuse box containing a single busbar connection and 4 individually fused outlets,one for each of the switches.
I chose not to use the type with a led light indication to avoid parasitic draw from the battery.
A separate earth bar is used for the negative side from the battery.
High density foam was used to pack out all the spare space and keep everything snug.
Each of my connections and voltmeter are individually switched for convenience.
I installed one main in line fuse off the positive terminal terminal of the battery.
This runs to a separate fuse box containing a single busbar connection and 4 individually fused outlets,one for each of the switches.
I chose not to use the type with a led light indication to avoid parasitic draw from the battery.
A separate earth bar is used for the negative side from the battery.
High density foam was used to pack out all the spare space and keep everything snug.
