12 volt cigarette lighter receptacles

[goutoe]

So I was getting tired of all of the 12 volt cigarette lighter receptacle cords hanging all over my dash, G.P.S, tire monitor, dash cam, fans etc. so I decided to take the time to hide the cords routing them under the dash behind the walls making things nice and neat, so I cut the lighter plugs off of the devices and wired them to 12 volt 2 wire plug ins,  BIG MISTAKE !!! I didn't realize that many of these receptacles have a resistor in them reducing to 5.0 volts so I smoked my G.P.S thankfully realized it before I had everything wired! so now I am re installing the original ends I still was able to shorten up some wiring making things look a lot better, valuable lesson learned!!! John.

[richard5933]

I ran into that with our dash cam. They make small converters for use in hard wiring this type of device.

[chessie4905]

Ahh, you needed a new gps anyway. 

[goutoe]

Ahh, you needed a new gps anyway. 

Yeah I was in need of an upgrade guess I will get one now. lol.

[sledhead]

I cleaned up mine with this

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0009JB7GI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

dave

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Don't feel bad, I made the same mistake a few years ago.  Live and learn.   

Gary

[Jim Eh.]

Always an upside to all things ... NO FIRE!

[silversport]

When I visited a auto salvage yard a 12 v receptacle would find it way in my tool box. Have nine receptacles installed in the driver/passenger areas.

[richard5933]

Are all those devices using USB plugs on the device end? If so, you might be able to use a USB-to-USB cord instead of the bulky one with the cigarette lighter end.

This is what I installed in my dash to plug in my devices that use a USB plug.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4365/Water-Resistant_Accessory_Panel_-_15A_Circuit_Breaker_12V_Socket_2x_2.1A_Dual_USB_Chargers

[goutoe]

Well I guess we are living in a usb port world where 5 volt may be the new norm, which is ok with me using less voltage, I am an old dog trying to learn new tricks lol. I always thought if it plugged in to a lighter outlet it was 12 volt! I was able to shorten my cables and used a 4 port outlet to clean up my wiring mess, its all better now, I think my gps has stopped smoking!!!
John.

[richard5933]

I've been using lots of rechargeable devices in the bus, and nearly all of them recharge using a standard USB outlet. I've got half a dozen LED motion-activated lights stuck in dark corners (stairwell, etc), tire monitor, etc. and they all charge via USB. Also use a fan in the bedroom which is powered by USB. I've replaced all the 12v cigarette lighter outlets that Custom Coach installed with the 2-port USB outlets that are designed to go into the same openings. Only left one up front for the Garmin, since it needs its power cord to have the traffic receiver work.

I also carry a high-current 12v cigarette lighter style outlet which is connected to a pair of battery clamps. This is for those times I might need to power something truly 12v which has a higher current draw, like my 12v trouble light or a tire inflator.

[Jim Blackwood]

Sounds like the dozen or so triple 12v sockets I have that came with the bus may be pretty useless. Of course, USB double plug-ins are cheap, I even found a nice one with a digital readout that monitors voltage, temp, and amperage on both USB sockets, that's pretty slick. Just plug it in a 12v socket and it automatically switches between the four readings. Very little parasitic draw, but wire it up with a switch nearby and it'd be a decent solution.

Jim

[Fred Mc]

Hmm. I have a couple of lighter plugins that I installed 30 years ago before USB. Never had a problem plugging anything in. Now using USB inserts in same ones for power. Should I be worried?

[chessie4905]

Now that the standard is usb, look for a change to something else in near future.

[goutoe]

Now that the standard is usb, look for a change to something else in near future.

yeah no kidding just when I get up to speed they change it up on me!