how to install 12 volt acs outlet on 4310

JB4310 · Dec 28, 2007

I would like to install a 12 volt outlet on my 4310 for mainly a flashing warning light when plowing near/in street, also maybe cell phone charger and hand held spot light. I know it's been discussed before but I can't find the threads.
I'm really surprised these machines don't come already equipped with 1, or 3 like my new truck, even cheap lawn mowers have them.
Is there anywhere on the harness to tap in or do you have to go to the battery? been toying with the idea for a couple of years for the phone but the need of the strobe light kinda makes it a necessity, and I already have the strobe from my old plow truck. does JD have an outlet they recommend?

bx24 · Dec 28, 2007

I can't help with the best way to wire your green machine (straight to the battery or fuse block (using a fuse of course) will work. But you can get these at auto parts stores for $15 or so (weather proof cap included)

kennyd · Dec 28, 2007

I you have the intention of powering a spotlight, then I suggest you go directly to the battery through a fuse or circuit breaker. If you want the outlet de-powered when the key is off you can add a relay the circuit. This is discussed in many of the lighting threads, and I can also help you...

TedLaRue · Dec 29, 2007

Previous suggestions are good. I just want to emphasize that you should never connect a long wire directly to your car battery. Always use a short wire to an in-line fuse and then go to your add-on device.

JB4310 · Dec 29, 2007

I do want one a little better than just a cigarette lighter as I may even use a small inverter at times, so I take it there is no option from Deere to make it easy? and I'll have to go to battery, I understand the reason for fusing close to the battery to reduce the risk of an unprotected short.
what amp fuse do I need? what gauge wire? any good sources for the outlet? I do like the idea of the weather protected cover, I don't even need it to be flush mounted, I could find a spot to surface mount it I guess, and I don't think I need the relay, but maybe a switch under the hood to turn it off if needed. Thanks John,

kennyd · Dec 29, 2007

To find a good outlet, try a marine store that caters to boaters, they usually have good quality weather resistant stuff. The rating of the outlet you get will ultimately decide what to fuse the new circuit at-but I would probably run 12 gauge wire and fuse it at 15 or 20 amps.
Be VERY careful of the inverters power draw-they consume a lot of DC power to get a little AC power.

George2615 · Dec 29, 2007

Quote from John,
""I do want one a little better than just a cigarette lighter as "I may even use a small inverter at times, so I take it there is no option from Deere to make it easy? and I'll have to go to battery, I understand the reason for fusing close to the battery to reduce the risk of an unprotected short.
what amp fuse do I need? what gauge wire?""

If your going to use an inverter or spotlight they can draw big amps. I'd go directly to the battery with 10 ga. wire. 10 ga. is good for 30 amps so use a 30 A fuse or my personal choice would be a 30A circuit breaker for those times it may draw over 30A it would automatically reset. My local auto parts (Advance or NAPA) have everything you need for this hookup.

Don Melcher · Dec 29, 2007

10 ga. is good for 30 amps

5' from the power source for the 3% or less voltage drop you would want for an inverter.

Here is a couple of tables that will help with wire sizes:

3% Voltage Drop

10% Voltage Drop

So - how much current does it draw? That's Ohm's law my friend.

Watts/Volts = Amps . 300 Watt Inverter/12 Volts = 25 Amps. Figure 90% efficency - so a 300 watt inverter would really need 25 amps + 10% to work properly - or 27.5 Amps - lets just call it 30 amps. With the engine running it will be more like 22A (300/13.8=21.7) but I like to over engineer things a bit.

The marine stores will have a nice circuit breaker in addition to quality lighter sockets. It may cost more - but it will last!

JB4310 · Dec 30, 2007

OK, Thanks everyone I have a good start, I'll spend a little extra and get a good one. should be able to figure out the rest.
Well one more thing, does anyone know if they make a circuit breaker with a manual on/off function? that I could use as a switch if I wanted to disable it.

755inNY · Dec 30, 2007

JB4310,

I've used a switch type circuit breaker for aircraft. The link below will take you to an example. There may be similar (less costly?) ones in automotive or marine.

Wicks Aircraft Supply

Jeff