Where to connect DC Alternator ACC cable?

[yamlro]

Hi all, sorry for the newbie question, I’m trying to install a Jackery DC-DC alternator charger and the last thing I need to do is connect the ACC line.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/9262/files/Jackery_DC-DC_Charger_User_Manual.pdf?v=1760154687

Is this the same or similar to connecting it to one of the AUX cables/switches? If so I didn’t see any information on how many amps it would draw - or is it just so the charger knows when the engine is running?

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[brkdncr]

Any switched wire would work. I think the fuse panel has unused ones, maybe look for a diagram to see what can be used.

if you have upfiter switches and want to be more in control you could use any of them too.

 

[yamlro]

This helped a ton thanks! I ended up connecting to a switch so I could have more control over when it’s charging

 

[Brian_B]

Is this the same or similar to connecting it to one of the AUX cables/switches? If so I didn’t see any information on how many amps it would draw - or is it just so the charger knows when the engine is running?

I know you got it wired to an upfitter, which is perfectly fine and a good idea.

But to answer your original question here --

Yes, this is just for the Jackery to know when the vehicle is running - it will trigger a relay, so very very low amps. Most folks will run an add-a-tap fuse to something in the fuse box to pick up the ACC signal. I used the 360 Camera fuse for my ACC signal for stuff I needed ACC for.

 

[yamlro]

Yeah makes sense, I have my underhood air compressor done this way (installed by a shop) and noticed the tap in fuse when I was wiring in the Jackery.

it’s interesting because the air compressor already has a manual switch, but I’m guessing it’s an extra safety to make sure you can’t turn on the air compressor if the engine is off?

 

[Brian_B]

Yeah makes sense, I have my underhood air compressor done this way (installed by a shop) and noticed the tap in fuse when I was wiring in the Jackery.

it’s interesting because the air compressor already has a manual switch, but I’m guessing it’s an extra safety to make sure you can’t turn on the air compressor if the engine is off?

That's the thought - you really do want the engine running when powering those big loads so the alternator can help out -- and for some people (those with air lockers or other air-driven equipmment), they just leave the compressor on(enabled) all the time and it just recharges a tank and cycles on the pressure switch. So with an ACC trigger it keeps it from picking up unless the vehicle is operating.

Although - you can always do ACC on (Key On Engine Off) and get it to run without the engine running, if you really really wanted to for some reason.

 

[yamlro]

I am ashamed to say, I did for a split second think of moving the air compressor acc to an upfitter to have another switch to flip, but realized how useless it would be.

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