I'm working on installing a new head unit and Ipod into my car and I wanted to hardwire my phone charger cord into the power for the cigarette lighter adapter so that I can use that to charge the IPod dock.
The Cigarette lighter currently has a 15 blade fuse in the fuse box. Should I up this since I'm adding a power outlet? Thanx in advance for your help. I'm a noob when it comes to this.
Replies (3)
Buickman94 on 05/11/2005 15:17:06
Fuses are put on wires to restrict the amount of current running through them. If the current fuse is rated at 15, thats a pretty good indication of how much current can safely run through that wire. By adding more power consuming devices to existing wire, you draw more current then what the wire was originally intended for. Bu upping the fuse, you are allowing more current through a wire than it is rated for.
I would think staying with the 15amp fuse would be a good idea for now and see if it works. If not, may need to run larger wire along with a larger fuse.
Others here are more expierenced and should be able to give you a more specific answer.
swez on 05/11/2005 21:10:01
If fused at 15A, stay with that. If you used a larger fuse value and same wires, but draw more current, could have an electrical fire in the car. NOT COOL!
Need to know how many watts or amperes of current both devices draw. Usually stamped on the charger. Most phone chargers are well under 10A. There is often a fuse in the holder to prevent excess current draw.
I-Pods are generally very low current consumption devices that are powered of USB, Firewire or internal BAT. These are low voltage units and chargers will do a full charge in under 2 hours. Just need the proper voltage converter to charge I-pod properly.
You can also buy charging splitters from most anywhere that have 1 male plug that goes into the cigarette lighter and up to 4 female recepticles for other devices.
Swez
ttocs on 05/11/2005 23:23:21
if you are need to move the wire it is easiest to tap the power at the fuse box. I was at auto zone the other day and saw they have some need fuse adaptors that allos for easy and safe connection. i don't think an ipod will draw much pwr to be concerned about, but you will know if it is too much....
The Cigarette lighter currently has a 15 blade fuse in the fuse box. Should I up this since I'm adding a power outlet? Thanx in advance for your help. I'm a noob when it comes to this.
Replies (3)
Buickman94 on 05/11/2005 15:17:06
Fuses are put on wires to restrict the amount of current running through them. If the current fuse is rated at 15, thats a pretty good indication of how much current can safely run through that wire. By adding more power consuming devices to existing wire, you draw more current then what the wire was originally intended for. Bu upping the fuse, you are allowing more current through a wire than it is rated for.
I would think staying with the 15amp fuse would be a good idea for now and see if it works. If not, may need to run larger wire along with a larger fuse.
Others here are more expierenced and should be able to give you a more specific answer.
swez on 05/11/2005 21:10:01
If fused at 15A, stay with that. If you used a larger fuse value and same wires, but draw more current, could have an electrical fire in the car. NOT COOL!
Need to know how many watts or amperes of current both devices draw. Usually stamped on the charger. Most phone chargers are well under 10A. There is often a fuse in the holder to prevent excess current draw.
I-Pods are generally very low current consumption devices that are powered of USB, Firewire or internal BAT. These are low voltage units and chargers will do a full charge in under 2 hours. Just need the proper voltage converter to charge I-pod properly.
You can also buy charging splitters from most anywhere that have 1 male plug that goes into the cigarette lighter and up to 4 female recepticles for other devices.
Swez
ttocs on 05/11/2005 23:23:21
if you are need to move the wire it is easiest to tap the power at the fuse box. I was at auto zone the other day and saw they have some need fuse adaptors that allos for easy and safe connection. i don't think an ipod will draw much pwr to be concerned about, but you will know if it is too much....
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