Wiring a cig lighter

Submitted: Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 16:37
ThreadID: 44270 Views:2361 Replies:6 FollowUps:2
This Thread has been Archived
Yeah ok stop laughing I'm electrically challanged alright :( ........ I was looking at wiring a 2nd cig lighter in the cab and I assume I can run the wire to the one that is already installed or should I run the wire direct back to the battery?. It just going to run the charger for my mobile phone. also do I need a fuse ????

I had planed to solder any joints and either tape or shrink wrap the joins, mind you i'm not planning on getting water behind the dash :) if I do owever i will have other issues to be concerned about.

Brian

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - Alastair D (NSW) - Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 16:46

Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 16:46
Brian,
Usually the original lighter sockets are wired via the accessories switch - hence key out no power. Also the wiring is usually too light for anything serious. Best to run a decent sized wire back to the battery, put a fuse near the battery. Don't make the fuse too high as it will then not protect anything - 15A is good unless you know you need higher. Carry a few spares.

Water and 12 volts is not a big issue just make sure that it is all protected against mechanical damage and hence shorting.

have fun
alastair
AnswerID: 233165

Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 16:48

Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 16:48
You don't need a fuse but put one in if it makes you feel good , but what about the double adaptor sockets



gift by Daughter

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 233166

Follow Up By: Member - Arkay (SA) - Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 20:19

Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 20:19
NBG if you want to run a car fridge/freezer off it, or a high powered spottie or something. Like Alaistair D said, depends on what you want to run off it. Best get an auto electrician & electrician's opinion B4 proceeding, unless it is for one of those funny GPS things or something.
By the way Doug, thanks for the info you gave onother person on the Garmin Nuvi 660 the other day (on an earlier post). I will definitely look at one of tose babies.
0
FollowupID: 494069

Follow Up By: Member - Brian H (QLD) - Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 09:14

Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 09:14
Yeah I spotted these but the location in the vehicle it would have to go will only cause issues.
0
FollowupID: 494160

Reply By: Morry(W.A) - Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 23:43

Friday, Apr 13, 2007 at 23:43
HI Brian,
For a phone charger what you want to do is fine, you can either pick up the positive conection from the existing ciggy lighter or if you want it on all the time find a wire from the interior light switch in the door and just tap into the positve, then earth it to the body of the car somewhere (same as the ciggy lighter) and always run a fuse to suit the intended usage.
Just my 2c
Cheers
Grant.
AnswerID: 233254

Reply By: Member - Brian H (QLD) - Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 09:16

Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 09:16
I am only going to run my mobile charger and the GPS will run of the origional. I have no intension to plug fridges etc etc. I would get that wired direct from the battery.

Brian
AnswerID: 233282

Reply By: GrahamK - Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 13:11

Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 13:11
Don't dare to use one of those double adaptors I did on my first trip in a troopy and ended up with a fire under the dash which cost me $1500 to rewire!!
Graham
AnswerID: 233324

Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 13:18

Saturday, Apr 14, 2007 at 13:18
Even if you do get the +ve for your cig lighter from the original cig lighter, ( I wouldn't) I would still put a fuse between the original socket and the new one you are installing.
I personally would run new wire direct from battery to your second cig socket and have the fuse just a short distance from +ve side of battery. But you already know I am no auto spark so take my opinion on it's merit.

If you need a hand, give us a yell.
Regards, Trevor.
AnswerID: 233326

Sponsored Links