Multiplex wiring.

Bill Davis · 11-21-2020, 07:07 AM

I want to pull 12 volt power to some usb wall plugs. Since I’m not familiar with multiplex lighting systems, I’m wondering if I can safely pull power from the light switches.

SeaDog · 11-21-2020, 08:53 AM

I never pull power off a light switch I go to the source and tap in there this stops any dimming or flickering as things stop and start. No sure I understand multiplex lighting system are you talking about 12V and 110v on the same panel or on the same switch? if so a multimeter will identify the circuits for you.

Bill Davis · 11-21-2020, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaDog

I never pull power off a light switch I go to the source and tap in there this stops any dimming or flickering as things stop and start. No sure I understand multiplex lighting system are you talking about 12V and 110v on the same panel or on the same switch? if so a multimeter will identify the circuits for you.

Sorry I should have said I’m looking for information from Greg at Dynamax, or someone with experience with older Dynaquest RVs.

FOURWHL · 11-21-2020, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Davis

Sorry I should have said I’m looking for information from Greg at Dynamax, or someone with experience with older Dynaquest RVs.

Are the older ones even multiplexed? I thought that was a more recent addition.

Bill Davis · 11-21-2020, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOURWHL

Are the older ones even multiplexed? I thought that was a more recent addition.

It’s not like the newer ones with a touch screen but I do believe it’s a multiplex system though. I could be wrong. I was wrong once before a few years ago.��

FOURWHL · 11-21-2020, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Davis

It’s not like the newer ones with a touch screen but I do believe it’s a multiplex system though. I could be wrong. I was wrong once before a few years ago.��

I can tell you with certainty my 2016 DX3 is not multiplexed. The Freightliner portion is but not the dynamax. Just good ol fashioned 12v wiring. If you don't have a panel I'd imagine you're in the same boat.

As to whether pulling power off a light circuit is a good idea, if its just a USB outlet pulling 2A im sure you're OK. Id still look at wire size and fuse accordingly but I don't think you're going to get any adverse behavior. If you've got a thick wire though a small distribution block with fuses could be a cleaner solution if you're going to need power in that area for anything else.

Bill Davis · 11-21-2020, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOURWHL

I can tell you with certainty my 2016 DX3 is not multiplexed. The Freightliner portion is but not the dynamax. Just good ol fashioned 12v wiring. If you don't have a panel I'd imagine you're in the same boat.

As to whether pulling power off a light circuit is a good idea, if its just a USB outlet pulling 2A im sure you're OK. Id still look at wire size and fuse accordingly but I don't think you're going to get any adverse behavior. If you've got a thick wire though a small distribution block with fuses could be a cleaner solution if you're going to need power in that area for anything else.

Dynamax calls it Intellitec multiplex lighting system.

FOURWHL · 11-21-2020, 11:17 AM

Hmm not heard that term before. But I haven't really dug into the lighting circuits either so I may be mistaken there.

**bclemens** · 11-21-2020, 11:27 AM

The old ones are multiplexed using Intellitec. Greg would have to chime in on where to tap...best bet is to avoid the lighting of course and get a constant hot.

Most of the time, with multiplex, the wires going to the switches are "signal wires" and not power wires. The power would run directly to the appliance.

Bill Davis · 11-21-2020, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

The old ones are multiplexed using Intellitec. Greg would have to chime in on where to tap...best bet is to avoid the lighting of course and get a constant hot.

Most of the time, with multiplex, the wires going to the switches are "signal wires" and not power wires. The power would run directly to the appliance.

So your saying the the hot and ground go directly to the lamp itself, maybe?

dbutton · 11-22-2020, 11:01 AM

Since the lamps are powered by the Intellitic control unit that is under the dinette seat & are dimmable you cannot pull power from the lamp itself. The switches are request signals to the controller to turn the lamp on at the set dimmer setting.

Bill Davis · 11-22-2020, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbutton

Since the lamps are powered by the Intellitic control unit that is under the dinette seat & are dimmable you cannot pull power from the lamp itself. The switches are request signals to the controller to turn the lamp on at the set dimmer setting.

Got it, thanks. I’ve decided to run a dedicated line to the USB’s. I’ll probably pull power from the battery bay.

milkman55 · 11-22-2020, 02:03 PM

Since you are going directly to the battery, you might consider putting a power distribution fuse block in the bay and then run everything you need off the block and have each run fuse protected. There are a number of them on Amazon, this is a six terminal block.

https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Waterp...6071610&sr=8-4

Bill Davis · 11-22-2020, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman55

Since you are going directly to the battery, you might consider putting a power distribution fuse block in the bay and then run everything you need off the block and have each run fuse protected. There are a number of them on Amazon, this is a six terminal block.

https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Waterp...6071610&sr=8-4

Good idea, thanks.

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