David Jenkins
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 08:48 AM |
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Cigarette lighter current
I've just fitted a ciggy lighter to my Locost - cue joke about "as useful as a cigarette lighter on a motorbike!"
I only want it as a power socket so the lighter bit will be removed, but I want to make sure that the fuse I put in is big enough in case some weed
addict decides to plug one back in.
So, the question is (at last), what current does a ciggy lighter take when activated?
cheers,
David
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RazMan
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 09:06 AM |
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They usually have a 10A fuse so that is probably a safe upper limit 
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 09:11 AM |
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That sounds fine - off to Maplins at lunchtime for a fuse holder and fuses! 
Thanks.
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balidey
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 09:29 AM |
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instead of a ciggy light socket, why not use a '12V power supply' socket that current Fords and VAG cars use, they usually come with a
nice cover to them an at least looks less like a ciggy lighter.
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Hellfire
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 09:39 AM |
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Jon Ison sells both the power sockets and ciggy lighter sockets with flip lids for a small fee. We have a power socket type which is a smaller
diameter one but it's mounted way under the dash and is used only for trickle charging over winter. It cannot be used for a ciggy socket as the
diameters are different.
However, most trickle charger with ciggy plug's are exactly that a ciggy plug and corresponding diameter so we had to change it to a proper
one.
Now we are considering using it for SatNav so we are finally going to remove the power socket and exchange for a more compatible socket ie the ciggy
socket.
Hope that's clear!
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 09:59 AM |
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It was a case of having the socket lying in a box at home, plus the fact that there are tons of accessories available that plug straight in (lights,
etc.).
It'll look fine once I get a cover to replace the lighter (they sell them in Halfords for a few pence).
David
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bimbleuk
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 01:09 PM |
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Just installed one myself too and also decided on a ciggy size socket. I can convert my gadgets to the smaller size but what if I want to borrow
something at a track day?
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 01:28 PM |
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That's exactly what I thought - all the gadgets and gizmos are made in bulk for ordinary tin-tops, with their ciggy lighter sockets.
DJ
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RazMan
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 06:01 PM |
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I was under the impression that the bulk market plugs fit a DIN socket as well as a ciggy socket. I chose a 12v power outlet because it looked more
professional. I am going to use mine for trickle charging and satnav among other things, so I had better check it fits.
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 22/3/06 at 08:54 PM |
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Depends on the plug - you can buy ciggy socket plugs that have a removable collar - take that off and it'll fit a DIN socket.
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