How to get 12V power even with the engine off ?

[nediffs]

I had my Micra broken into recently (front passenger window) and am building a smart alarm. Something like this but instead of mobile net it will send me a text message. If that works well I will upgrade to a proper sound alarm and maybe even a GPS but that's into the future.

My problem is how to power it. Should I just run cables straight to the battery (I believe there will be very little power consumption) or is there a more elegant way ? For instance my dad's C5-3 has a cable near his glove box fuse box, that has power even with the engine off.

K13 2015

 

[MaxK11C]

First off, very sorry to hear about your car being broken into.
I’m afraid that’s not something I know the answer too, maybe @pollyp can help?

 

[LiamC]

I had my Micra broken into recently (front passenger window) and am building a smart alarm. Something like this but instead of mobile net it will send me a text message. If that works well I will upgrade to a proper sound alarm and maybe even a GPS but that's into the future.

My problem is how to power it. Should I just run cables straight to the battery (I believe there will be very little power consumption) or is there a more elegant way ? For instance my dad's C5-3 has a cable near his glove box fuse box, that has power even with the engine off.

K13 2015

Things like central locking have permanent power to them, so that would be a good place to start to tap power off from. Although with modern cars it might be more difficult with extra wiring, and best left to a professional.

 

[nediffs]

Wouldn't finding an empty fuse slot, that has power with the engine off work ?