I haven't opened up the panel to check the trace size for E3 either.
Maybe it is ok.

I agree that use of E3 is a much more secure way of connecting the power
feed wire. You have determined that you have a reasonable load for your
uses. My concern is that other people may use their van differently. I
was reacting to your conversation regarding an 8 awg wire to run power
to the fuse panel via E3. That implies a heavier use than you are doing.

The cig lighter socket and the radio both get power from that circuit
and there has been a trend for both to use more power than VW
envisioned. VW increased the size of the wire from B12 in later years to
account for growing radio power needs. They also separated the radio
ground wire from the other grounds and made it larger as well.

Mark

Alistair Bell wrote:
> no I did not open up a panel to measure the size of the brass that goes
> to E3.
>
> The modified circuit powers the cig lighter and 4 X led festoon lamps,
> from the aux battery, in through E3. The cig lighter is used to power ipod.
>
> The feed to E3 is fused back at an aux panel beside aux battery, 15A fuse.
>
> I prefer this set up to a wire stuck in the lower slot of #3 fuse.
>
> alistair
>
>
>