Difference between ACC and Ignition wire?

**bluehcc** · 05-11-2005, 06:15 PM

somehow, i was wondering what's the difference between acc and ignition wire. I have being using acc wire in my setup. The acc get power when my key turn to ACC and cut the power when I crank the engine. what about Igntion wire???

**Bobby Digital** · 05-11-2005, 06:20 PM

I think ignition is live when key is in the "on" and "start" positions wheras ACC is live with the key in "acc" and "on" positions.

**Wiredwrx** · 05-11-2005, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby Digital

I think ignition is live when key is in the "on" and "start" positions wheras ACC is live with the key in "acc" and "on" positions.

Well, most people seem to call acc and ignition the same. They mean a circuit, or a connection to the circuit, that has power while the car is running. Usualy, if the circuit has power while the car is running, it will also have power when the car is off, but the key is in the acc positions.

Sometimes, however, ignition does mean ignition, such as in a remote car start setup.

Hope that helps

Michael

**RoyN** · 05-11-2005, 06:46 PM

for our uses they are the same...

the ignition or ACC line is off during cranking...

**MatrixPC** · 05-12-2005, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by RoyN

for our uses they are the same...

the ignition or ACC line is off during cranking...

It is NOT really the same.
for MOST cars (not all)
ACC only turn on a the radio and aux/cig circuit. These circuits cut off during cranking. Only hot when the key is in ACC <=> IGN(ON)
IGN turn on EVERYTHING in the car (ECU, CC, Power windows circuit, fuel pump, HVAC blower, .... you name it.) And none of these circuit is cut off during cranking. Only hot when the key is in IGN(ON) <=> START/CRANK

So when hook up the car to our purpose do you want everything in the car to be ON when the engine is off just to listen to music or watching movie? The battery is sure to drain very fast.

**sfay93** · 05-12-2005, 09:51 AM

Actually the power windows and HVAC circuit are on one of the ACC lines. A lot of todays cars have more than one ACC line to accomodate the additional "accessories". The other thing is most cars have a latched output on the ACC lines where the radio, HVAC, power windows, etc. will stay powered until you open your door.

**fastXR** · 05-12-2005, 11:18 AM

Every mfg does things differently.

My car the ACC only turns on the radio. The "RUN" setting (second click) turns on everything else.

My wifes car the ACC powers radio and windows.

Having a factory electrical manual is almost required any more.

**mp3hombre** · 05-12-2005, 12:45 PM

ACC= Accesories: Radio, wipers, power windows,etc. OFF during cranking (some radios stay on, though)
IGNITION(s)=Anything that the vehicle needs to crank/run:electrical pumps, ignition circuits, etc.