power supply socket

[cornishman]

I am going to respray my commander this winter while it is apart I would like to put a cigarette lighter in to allow me to charge up my phone etc while on trips anyone done this who can tell me where to take the power from etc I am a complete novice as far as electrics are concerned any help appreciated dave c

[gripper]

It seems a good idea. They do draw a considerable current when in cigarette lighting mode and some other accessories take a fair current, air bed pumps etc. Provided you fit a fuse and wire thick enough to handle the current (check the rating of the fuse on your car lighter) you could wire it directly across one of the batteries, making sure of course that the polarity is correct. It would also seem prudent to situate it somewhere out of the weather (inside a pannier) and maybe fit an isolating switch to remove it electrically from the system when not required. It would look a bit tacky on the dashboard. I recall an old Granada that I owned years ago that had non functioning interior light and many other non working devices that were all down to a dead short across the rear cigarette lighter. Seems some kind soul had pressed the button in and kept it held down till the whole thing melted. It took me a long time to trace the fault.Gripper.

[MrB]

Any use? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Motorcycle-Waterp ... 1c0b10aa3f If it doesn't work it's a water proof lighter socket for boats Ebay number 120444725823

[Interpol2471]

You can buy these from Maplins if you have one local. I fitted one to the back of my Defender Land Rover and that got driven up rivers and it survived ok They also sell the high current wire required and a sealed fuse assy and you can speak to someone and tell them your requirements. Gosh I sound like an advert

[Einton]

Hi DaveI fitted a Hella 12V marine socket – as illustrated in Mr B’s post – this summer to power a GPS and inspection light etc.I have posted some pics on Flickr:http://www.flickr.com/photos/27713622@N ... 057083/The position was determined by rear accessibility, water flow across/inside the fairing and handlebar clearance when connected.I drilled the hole using a hole cutter and gained access to the rear of the socket through the headlamp aperture.I wired using 15A cable sheathed in heatshrink – soldered connections throughout.Fuse holder 3 (marked AUX in the picture) was unused. I fed this from Fuse 2 (FAN) which is permanently fed for the fan (ie live when ignition is off) and fitted a 5A fuse to feed the cigarette lighter socket.It has worked well – the only issue is that in colder weather the dust cover becomes a little stiffer and tends to not stay located.Richard

[cornishman]

thanks for all the help and advice will look at the options . Start stripping the bodywork off next week ready to deal with the osmosis .very lucky to have a specialist fibreglass factory next door to my house ,been round to see peter and he has all the gear needed to sort it out he may get the job if the price is right many thanks dave