An extension power cable is used to wire the device to the truck battery (order cable separately, see Device Accessories). Wire this cable to a filtered, fused (15A max) accessory supply on the vehicle. Follow the installation instructions supplied with the extension cable.
Additional wiring (minimum 14 gauge), connectors or disconnects used should be rated for at least 300 VDC, 15A.
Applying voltage above the input voltage rating or reversing polarity may result in permanent damage to the device and void the product warranty.
When connecting the extension power cable:
If a power extension cable with ignition sense is used, ensure that the ignition sense wires (18AWG wires in red and black leads) and the power wires (14AWG in red and black leads) are reliably secured away from each other, or are separated with reliably secured certified insulation. Minimum 2.8 mm distance, or 0.4 mm distance through insulation is required for the separation.
The red lead of the 14AWG power cables attach to the vehicles battery positive terminal. The 14AWG black lead connects to the vehicle’s battery negative terminal. This should be connected to a proper terminal block and not to the vehicle body. An optional grounding strap wire (sourced separately) may be connected to the ground lug of the VC8300 terminal connector bay and to the vehicle chassis.
You may have the option to connect power before or after the key switch. Though the VC8300 is equipped with a UPS, a proper shut down is recommended using the Power Off procedure. If it is wired after the key switch, the operator must shut down the device using the Power Off procedure before turning off the vehicle. If it is wired before the key switch, then to avoid excessive drain on the vehicle battery, either the operator should shut it down when the vehicle is to be left off for an extended period, or the ignition cable shut down wire should be connected and the device configured to shut down automatically.
An appropriate fuse type must be used with the power extension cable according to the installation instructions. For main power cable, use 3AB, 15A, 250V, slow blow fuse. For ignition sense input, use 3AB, 0.3A, 250V, slow blow fuse.
The device supports the ignition sense feature that detects when the ignition switch or key switch is On or Off to allow automatic computer start up or shut down (with delay as needed).
When wiring the ignition sense wires (18AWG in red and black), the red 18AWG wire is connected to a positive DC voltage source switched on by the ignition. The black 18AWG wire is connected to ground reference of this switched ignition source.
