Hooking up Additional 12 Volt Outlets?

[piperoo]

I want to add 1 behind my dash so that I can hide my cell charger and run the charger wire into my center console.

I don't use the cigarette lighter and don't intend on it...could I just cut those wires to use as the power and ground? Or should I just use another power wire.

I would be using something like this:
Enercell 12VDC Vehicle Power Accessory Outlet : Car Adapters | RadioShack.com


Here is a good writeup for hooking up outlets. I can run it to the battery if I need to I guess.

http://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech/dan_12v_power/dan_3x12v_power_outlets.htm

Another interesting one (look at the 2nd install) using an "Add a circuit"
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...es/40859-12v-power-outlet-adding-another.html

 

[YotaZach85]

Do you want it to be "on" all the time like a power outlet or do you want it to only be on when the key is on?

 

[AKAndy]

I just did this last weekend for a hookup for my GPS unit. I used the "add a circuit" fuse tap, and wired it into the fuse panel, and ran a new ground wire. You could use the existing cig. lighter wires, but I think it would probably be easier to just use a fuse tap and new wires.

 

[piperoo]

Do you want it to be "on" all the time like a power outlet or do you want it to only be on when the key is on?

That actually might be a good idea...I have run into instances where I didn't want to turn the car (or ACC) on and wished I could plug something up for a short period of time.

AKAndy, where did you get that Add a Circuit?

 

[piperoo]

I just did this last weekend for a hookup for my GPS unit. I used the "add a circuit" fuse tap, and wired it into the fuse panel, and ran a new ground wire. You could use the existing cig. lighter wires, but I think it would probably be easier to just use a fuse tap and new wires.

Also, what amp fuse should I use?

 

[AKAndy]

That actually might be a good idea...I have run into instances where I didn't want to turn the car (or ACC) on and wished I could plug something up for a short period of time.

AKAndy, where did you get that Add a Circuit?

Also, what amp fuse should I use?

I got it at Checker Auto Parts, but you should be able to get it at any auto part store. I looked at the power draw on the power adapter for my GPS unit, and picked the fuse based on that... I think it's a 3A fuse.

 

[piperoo]

Great, thanks. I think you are right...that will probably be the easiest way...plus if it pulls too much power...it will just blow the fuse and no worries. Will have to pick one up and get that done this weekend!

 

[FoneRunner]

Its always smart to run stuff through a fuse....prevents unwanted fires and stuff. I had so much extra stuff running through my fuse panel that I finally just wired a seperate fuse block under there....super easy to do and looks much cleaner too...

 

[theizzardking]

Its always smart to run stuff through a fuse....prevents unwanted fires and stuff. I had so much extra stuff running through my fuse panel that I finally just wired a seperate fuse block under there....super easy to do and looks much cleaner too...

x2 a fuse block is like $5 and you can keep your factory wiring pretty much stock so your not slicing into everything else for power and ground, much, much cleaner

 

[Sig220]

I did something along these lines recently. I added a 800 watt converter and two 12 volt plugs. I ran some large gauge wires from the battery back through the firewall under the kick plates to the back seat. Fused the connection to the battery and it is available all the time. I left a flashlight charger plugged into the converter on overnight in low temps and did not affect the battery at startup. The 12 volt plugs are attached to the top of the converter by velcro.

Now I can run just about anything electrical from my add-ons .....computer, chargers and etc. 800 watts output can cover quite a lot!! 12volt or 120volt.

 

[piperoo]

x2 a fuse block is like $5 and you can keep your factory wiring pretty much stock so your not slicing into everything else for power and ground, much, much cleaner

Can you point me in the direction of fuse block that would work well?

 

[theizzardking]

Sorry man just noticed this, have a look around there are some nice sealed ones used in boating applications or you can buy a cheap bussman ones from flaps. This one maybe overkill but you can add on later if you need more accessories at one point
http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/p524.html

It's a narrow profile for tight spots you wire it from the bottom and then mount it also uses common fuses found in our trucks if you navigate up a page there's another sealed one with gaskets that's nice double check the amperage as this is all done on my phone and am unsure what sort of current is going through the block

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