Vehicle & Technical > Discovery

Wiring in an extra cigar lighter socket

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thermidorthelobster:
Yeah, you're right of course!  I normally do it ass-about-face and overspec the wiring, then put in a fuse which is rated just above whatever I'm thinking of running.  On the basis that if the appliance goes wrong, or the wiring shorts beyond the fuse, then the fuse will still protect the wiring.  Good point that man...

Disco_Stu:
Thinking of doing the same myself.

I've no use for the two rear seats so thought I may remove at least one to create an area for an inverter and multiple 12v sockets for charging me dive torch, 2 way radios etc on the way to wherever I'm going. (Vital really cos I never remember to do it the night b4!!)

Let us know how you get on with scarlett, you may be able to steer me away from all sorts of horrible mistakes  :shock:  :shock:

Stu.

thermidorthelobster:
Stu, I've got a fairly hefty inverter (only 400W but it's pure sine wave so it's much bigger than the Maplins ones) which I've managed to house below the front passenger seat.  May save some hassle.

cardiff_gareth:
see here for some:

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/switches/12vacc.php#cig

Evilgoat:
The Rabbit has one.

60A Cable from battery into new WATERPROOF aux fuse box. (This runs spots CB, Sirent, Alarm, the works so 60A is overkill for a ciggie lighter.

It runs through a 30A fuse into cable rated at 40A. 40A is less likeley to melt, and will suffer a lower voltage drop than a 30A cable working at 30A. This is jacketed and goes through the bulkhead and into the sill insoide the car (might not be able to do this on a Disco) then runs all the way into the back, over the wheel arch into a panel mounted socket by the tailgate. I have actually pulled the full 30A through this on more than one ocasion and vapourised the fuse a few times too. Its normally used to run my 150W magnetic spotlight or the fridge. Ground comes from the chassis on mine and is bolted through the inertia reel mount.

If you want a switch, use a realy, same if you want it off with the ignition. Switches that can deal with that sort of current are expensive and hard to find and normally look horrible. Where as a 40A relay can be lifted from almost any scrap car.

For a Switch with a light, there are two ways.

Where you have Common, feed and ground wire it up as it says on the switch.

Where you have common, feed and then two supply lines for the light wire the light between the output of the switch and ground.

Theres another trick to hold the power on after the ignition is turned off untill whatever you are running turns off too ;)

I would advise against running cables like that under the car, too much chance to get it damaged. Keep the fuse as close to the battery as hjumanely possible, is not as if Discos lack room down there.

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