M2-ATX Ignition Current Pull?

**incudie** · 09-17-2007, 07:32 PM

I think I should be ok but if someone could agree with me, it would make me feel a lot better about doing this...

I have the PC in the back with power running from a distro block to an M2-ATX which is in the trunk. Ignition power comes from a switched 12V circuit in the back as well.

I would like to install a 12V 3-way rocker switch near the driver seat to switch the Ignition line from "Switched 12V" to "Constant 12V" So I can get in and out of the car quickly and leave the PC on with the car off.

What I am curious about is, how much current does the Ignition lead pull? I'd imagine its not much but I want to make sure it would be safe to run the ignition cable from the front of the car to the back on (say 16 gauge wire) and into the ignition lead on the M2.

I looked through the M2-ATX Manual but did not see anything in regards to that...

Thanks

**DarquePervert** · 09-17-2007, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by incudie

What I am curious about is, how much current does the Ignition lead pull? I'd imagine its not much but I want to make sure it would be safe to run the ignition cable from the front of the car to the back on (say 16 gauge wire) and into the ignition lead on the M2.

Very, very little.
An 18awg wire is more than sufficient.

**RedGTiVR6** · 09-17-2007, 08:02 PM

I'm running 2 switches right now. One 3-way that does the following: Ign. on - Off - Const. On. One toggle for reset.

We're running an 18 gua I believe, which is probably overkill really since ign doesn't pull anything...a quarter of an amp maybe?

Btw - I've moved this to the PSU forum as that's where it probably belongs.

**incudie** · 09-17-2007, 08:14 PM

Awesome thanks a lot!

I will end up running a wire from the dome light (controller by key fob) to a 3 way switch (such as what RedGTiVR6 described) then to the trunk, where the M2 IGN lead is.

**Snortonnorton** · 09-18-2007, 05:38 PM

nevermind, i'm an idiot

**RedGTiVR6** · 09-18-2007, 05:58 PM

if you keep blowing fuses on the ign line, it's probably because you've shorted something out....ign does not and should not pull much at all. if it is, you have something else going on.

**Snortonnorton** · 09-18-2007, 08:36 PM

yep, stupid *** me.

my ign. lead wire got caught in the seat track and grounded out.

quick easy fix and I'm back up and running.

the m2 atx is working flawlessy for 2 or 3 weeks now.

**incudie** · 09-18-2007, 09:33 PM

good. Glad to hear you got it working

**Snortonnorton** · 09-18-2007, 09:44 PM

yeah, don't be afraid to use a m2 atx. it has been rock solid since I installed it.

the only advantage that i see of opus is if you need more power.

but 160 watts m2 atx has worked fine for me.