hi - thought I would pass this along to folks like me who are [were] puzzled about where to easily tap a + 12 volt circuit under the MINI's hood. I didn't want to go with the add-a-fuse method - I was looking for something more permanent and 'cleaner'.

I got a Tap & Ground Kit from Advance Auto Parts for about 3 bucks. It's a thin slotted metal plate that slips under your battery [or JUMPER] terminal bolt and provides a place to attach three spade connectors for your extra circuits. See pic attached.

This particular kit had three plates and eight spade connectors included [ go figure.] Manufacturer listed as WirthCo, part# 30700 "Batap-k".

Incidentally Advance also had crimp-on style connectors with heat-shrink outer coating from the manufacturer. Just crimp and heat, and she's permanent. Band name was "Underhood Connection" from Connect-Tite.

Apparently these things are common as dirt here in The South, but I am just a naive northern boy slowly being relieved of my ignorance

I trimmed one of the plates down a hair and it fits great under the battery' jumper terminal cover box thing under the bonnet. I stuck another plate on the frame ground screw a few inches behind the hood latch mechanism on the passenger side frame. Works great!

 

Why not just add an inline fuse holder to the hot lead from the battery? I would think it would be unwise to add a circuit without any fuse protection.

 

It does look like a neat way to add power taps into the system though. Another way to skin the cat!

Matt

 

As Dr Obx says, you definitely want an inline fuse holder between your hot lead and your new gizmo.

Secondarily, you may want a simple relay to switch your new +12 feed to your gizmo so you can run one pair of switch lines to the cabin and keep the power plumbing under the bonnet.


regards,

rc