Fuse Tap Means No Cover?

[LMJ]

In looking at my fuse box, it seems with a tap I wont be able to put the cover back on. On my vehicle, I can see the potential for someone car wash vacumming the car to hot the fuse panel and do some unwanted damage. How did you folks handle this. Also I think with the tap the wire has to stick out the front. Am thinking about drilling a hole in the cover to accomodate a three wire setup and to retain the cover. Have you done this or what is another workaround?

 

[Ralph2]

I dealt with that problem by soldering my leads to an existing fuse(s) (Radio and Brake). Took a bit of fiddling and filing the cold side leg of the fuse so that the additional wire would fit. I also cut a small notch in the cover to allow the new wires to exit. Worked for me but probably not recommended.
Edit.. found (poor) picture

 

[R1KSU]

Most cars have an internal fuse box under the dash or inside the glove box, try to find yours ?

 

[country_hick]

The under hood fuse box is the wrong fuse box to use. Most cars have a fuse box inside the car located somewhere under the dash. The added fuse tap power wire can usually be run under the dash in a hidden area without any drilling. I could easily tap into a fuse in my machines when necessary without a problem or drilling any holes.

I installed an aftermarket radio with a wiring harness adapter. I hooked into the ignition on power wire of the radios wiring adapter to get switched power. I ran the wires through the dash without a problem.

 

[LMJ]

Thanks I understand all that. In my car, the in-cabin fuse box, is right next to the parking brake, and right under the steering wheel and above the pedals and brake. If I cant the cover back on, its a no go IMO. So the workaround might be to drill holes in the over so I get only the ACC and hot wires coming out of the box. Then I have to find a place to zip tie the 3 wire Viofo box down there. I dont have it yet so dont know the dimensions or weight.

 

[country_hick]

Why do you need the cover? The fuses will not fall out without it being on. You could keep the cover in your glove box and when you trade the car remove the extra wiring and put the cover back on then. Duck tape used in the right location can hold a length of wire in one place.

You can buy cable clips to help route your cables and keep them out of the way..

This looks like some I bought. These are slightly smaller than the size of a pinky fingernail. You might hold 2 usb cables in one but do not count on it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/272562584680
These appear to be larger.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/311819426089
This is a different style.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283061703011

 

[R1KSU]

Your internal light has a permanent feed and I believe also an ignition wire, you could try tapping into those?