wiring dc power - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

lennyk83 · 01-02-2013, 08:05 PM

I have a 98' Polaris xlt limited. I tried to find a wiring diagram or pictures on how to run wires to connect a dc outlet to run an electric shield. any suggestions?

slednecks18 · 01-26-2013, 03:13 PM

Run it to the headlight so u have constant power

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**BC_Dan** · 01-26-2013, 07:59 PM

If the shield runs DC only, the headlight won't work, it's AC. If you dont' have a battery, you will have to add a rectifier to the AC to convert it to DC.

Ultrafrozen · 01-26-2013, 08:21 PM

Shields are a resistive load so they should run on AC or DC voltage. I just bought one and it stated both were OK. Easiest method is to hook up direct to the battery. You'll still have power when the sled doesn't run for trailside stops and such.

**BC_Dan** · 01-26-2013, 08:31 PM

Battery works if you have one

It figures that a shield would work on AC. The grips do, and that's a similar heating element. I've never thought about adding a heated shield, but no fog on some days would sure be nice!

slednecks18 · 01-26-2013, 10:25 PM

I have had many heated shields on my sleds and I have always ran them either from headlight or handwarmers if you run them all the time

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Ultrafrozen · 01-28-2013, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC_Dan

Battery works if you have one

It figures that a shield would work on AC. The grips do, and that's a similar heating element. I've never thought about adding a heated shield, but no fog on some days would sure be nice!

I've driven sleds for some time and with full-face shields since about 1986 and NEVER promoted heated face shields until frosting up so bad in -25F a week ago that I just had to try one. Well, I'll admit that I'll never go back. I used to carry a facecloth soaked in rubbing alcohol sealed in a zip-lock to wash off the frost but at -25F it just freezes up as soon as you pick-up speed. I think if I could I'd marry that shield.

steveg_nh · 01-28-2013, 10:22 PM

I'm getting ready to do this as well, but can't decide between the pros and cons of hooking it up to AC or DC. I have both as the sled is elec start. I'm concerned about the constant added load on any tap point that I chose, or is the current that a heated shield draw low enough that it doesn't matter?

edge800ves · 01-29-2013, 10:34 AM

On our 2 sled's their both ran off the headlight, never had any issues with power draw. I recomend the heated shield to anyone. The ability too see is worth it!

steveg_nh · 01-29-2013, 02:29 PM

So you just tapped in at the headlight wiring, and saw no drop in brightness?

edge800ves · 01-29-2013, 02:36 PM

Yup, no difference in my beams at all. If you dont wanna go that route though look your sled up and alot of times theirs a accessories wire not being used you can rig into as well. Look for a yellow and brown wire near your tach or in your stearing column

Polaris7984 · 01-29-2013, 04:56 PM

I also have a similar question that maybe belongs in this thread. I have a 1997 Polaris XLT and am going to dedicate the Garmin Nuvi 255w from my car to the sled. I want to hardwire the power cord and it sounds like I need an ac/dc rectifier coming off the headlight; any tips on where to find one cheap? I've also read on other threads something about a 3.3v fuse between the rectifier and the GPS unit... Just looking for the simplest, cheapest way to accomplish this. Thanks!

steveg_nh · 01-29-2013, 07:52 PM

I was told there's a good chance there's a wire designed for the heater just not hooked up, similar to what you said right? I think the mountain version comes standard with the electric shield hookup.

I've heard many guys say you just use an RCA jack. A regular audio jack? It can handle the current draw for the heating element? Or maybe I'm overestimating how much power it takes to heat one of these up??

**RJ Gleason** · 01-30-2013, 07:56 AM

Face shield draws less power than the hand warmers.

steveg_nh · 01-30-2013, 08:15 AM

Thanks. Any idea how much juice? I always worry about overloading a circuit.

**RJ Gleason** · 01-30-2013, 08:18 AM

You would have to see the specs that come with each.