Wiring III

When wiring for 12v appliances, it will be much the same except you will be using automotive wire. You will need to run two wires, a hot or positive wire and a ground wire. Be sure to use heavy enough wire in the 12v wiring also. Most 12v appliances use a cigarette lighter type plug, so you are going to need to figure out how to mount a lighter receptacle near each appliance. You will be running the wires directly from the twenty amp fuse in the fuse block to the receptacle at the appliance. The shorter the distance that needs wiring the better, so do some careful planning, both in the location of your power station and the location of your appliances. Should you decide to run your wires directly from the battery to the appliance without the use of a fuse block, go to an automotive store and get an in-line fuse holder and install that. Having fuses in all of your lines is important. Wiring is not really that difficult. You simply need a clear understanding of electrical principles and knowledge of what is needed for the job. Wiring for a backup system will be a little more difficult, because you will need several different types of connectors, plugs, plug-ins, etc. This is due to the fact that you are using both 12v dc and 120v or 249v ac. For instance, many generators use the twist lock type plugs. However, everything you need can be purchased at either a hardware, electrical or automotive store. The important thing is to plan out your instalation, making a list of as many components as possible. List them on a sheet of paper and then go and purchase everything. This will keep you from makiing numerous trips to the store. My feeling is that with proper planning, a good knowledge of electricity and careful work, a great majority of survivalists can install their own backup system. However, if you do not feel comfortable or do not feel that you have enough knowledge, by all means hire an electrician. If that is too much for your budget, see if you can find a good friend who is knowledgeable about electricity. Another option is to purchase a good book on home wiring and follow directions. There are too many dangers in electricity for someone who does not understand the process to mess with it. However you get it done, I feel that a backup system is a good survival idea.