No fuse-tap footwell lights install

[ReintjeWA]

I've had footwell lights in my cars as far back as my Peugeot 205, when I got my license. So of course this was one accessory high on my list to do. However this is the first time I've had dashcams installed, and as I suspected they used the fuses I was going to use for my light strips. I also wasn't super keen on accessing the fuses in the first place, if one ever blows I might just get the dealer to do that for me (which is probably what they want any way).

So instead of tapping into fuses or another installer's wires (warranty) I ended up buying these strips with a USB-A connector. 4X RGB 72 LED Car Interior Footwell Strip Lights Bar USB Bluetooth APP Control | eBay

As (slightly) visible in the picture below, I've put the controller box inside the flap at the bottom of my drivers seat (the way they're stitched forms a little pouch, so you just drop it in). It leaves a small bulge but I'm okay with that. I've then used the shorter wired strips on the back of the front seats, and used the longer cabled strips to run to the front, essentially installing the kit in reverse. Running the wires underneath the centre console. The plastic parts fit quite tightly so using a plastic trim tool will help push the cables underneath. I use the armrest USB-A port to power everything. I rarely have passengers in the back, and on the rare occasion I do and they need the port, I'll do without the lights for a trip.

I found the cables to be just about long enough. I'm 190 cm (6' 2") and my seat is all the way back. I ended up routing the cable as per the image below. With a plastic trim/prying tool you can unclip the front panel (three big clips) and run the wire up behind it. I tried running the cable next to the footrest, but I didn't like the idea of having an exposed wire running between the top of the footrest and the bottom of the dash.

The install is perhaps not quite as clean as hardwired, considering the wire running up to the USB port in the back, but for someone who rarely has passengers (like me) or perhaps someone who want's a non-invasive install, or without tapping into the hidden fuse box, I thought it was worth sharing.

The lights are controlled via Bluetooth with an app, but pulling the plug out is also a quick way to turn them off while driving, if someone would like that option.

I'm excited with the way it turned out, as I thought this was going to be a hard install, with someone on YouTube finding it hard to pass wires behind the middle console at the front (to the passenger side), so they ended up running some wires around the front of the centre console. They also ended up using the 12v plug for power, which I've never liked the look off. In my opinion this install is a lot cleaner, and safer.

I'll add a picture of the lights in action when it's dark tonight.

Below a picture of the lights at night. I'm keeping with orange for now, as it's nice and gentle on the eyes. But the set does all different colours.

 

[siteguru]

Just check this board - there's another thread or two on this topic.

 

[ReintjeWA]

Just check this board - there's another thread or two on this topic.

Sorry about that, I didn't realise there were already threads on how I installed my lights in my car. I'll try to do better next time.

 

[siteguru]

The reason I mentioned them is because others have used the same (or similar) strips, and installed them the same (or similar) ways. So it's informational for others who come cross this thread.