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Power
Power connections should be made directly to the battery and fused as close to the battery as possible.
Avoid using a cigarette lighter or “Power Point” receptacles as power sources. TripSpark does not
recommend wiring power directly to a vehicle kill switch because the Ranger will not power down
correctly. Appropriate fuses are provided with the installation equipment.
Ground
The ground point should be that point where the (-) terminal from the battery is connected to the body.
This connection to the battery is typically a 6 or 8 AWG black wire connected to the wheelhouse or
radiator support.
Do not fuse the ground lead. If the ground-side fuse were to open, the entire supply current would be
conducted by an alternate current return path, which may cause the feed line to overheat possibly
resulting in damage.
Switched Ignition Power
It is important to utilize an unused ignition point. Connecting to an ignition point that is currently being
used to switch other devices can cause improper operation of those devices.
There are two methods for interfacing to the vehicle ignition. If neither of these options are possible,
then contact your TripSpark representative and alternate ignition options can be discussed and
approved.
It is highly preferable to find an ignition source that goes high only when the engine is actually on. If this
source cannot be found, an ignition source that goes high only when the ignition is in the ON position is
the next recommended source.
Auxiliary Electrical Panel (Preferred)
o
Many bus manufacturers will include an auxiliary electrical panel for interfacing
peripheral devices. Below is an example of a common location in buses with a Ford
chassis.
o
One of these terminals will typically be a switched ignition point. A ring terminal should
be used when connecting to this type of ignition interface point. Ask the local
maintenance personnel if you need assistance to find this panel.
Fuse Panel
o
An unused ignition activated position in the fuse panel is another option. This
installation requires an Add-A-Circuit fuse holder as pictured below. It is not acceptable
to use a “fuse sleeve”
E
XAMPLE OF AN
A
UXILIARY
E
LECTRICAL
P
ANEL ON A
F
ORD
V
AN
:
