installing an additional 12v socket

[Julie_374476190]

i plan to install an additional 12v socket. As there's already a factory fitted one can i break into the wiring or will i have to start afresh from the leisure battery

 

[machighlander]

hmmmmm.

 

[Sproket]

Ideally it would be better to wire one in separately with it's own in line fuse.

You could have problems if you piggy back into original wiring, especially if both sockets are in use at the same time.

 

[Ray197]

sprocket

i was thinking of doing this as well,looping another socket and putting a larger fuse in ,im no spark would you think this would be unwise

 

[Sproket]

Worst what could happen is your van setting on fire....

Wire it in seperate with its own fuse.

 

[Ray197]

will do , ill get someone who knows

cheers sprocket

Oh by the way whens Sprockets Forum starting lol

 

[Mikey1]

You will be ok if the fuse rating is lower than the cable rating.Even if you take a seperate feed the same applies.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I needed to do this on the Senator as Bailey now only supply 12V direct to a TV plug with no socket

I needed a source that would not be switched off by the habitation relay for the sat dish memory and rear view camera so I wired direct from the battery(mover switches as mentioned before) with heavy cable and fitted an in line fuse near to the battery

When I phoned the dealer about a TV lead adapter the workshop manager couldn't believe that there was now no 12V socket in Senators

 

[RogerL]

Fuse rating is designed to protect the cable as well as any appliances - if it were safe to increase the fuse rating of the original circuit the manufacturer would have done so!

Adding load to an already optimised circuit is asking for trouble.

Take the feed AND the earth return directly from the battery with an appropriate fuse for the circuit.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I agree with Roger but be aware that anything connected direct to the battery will not be "OFF" when on tow as the habitation relay will be bypassed

I have previously fitted a 5 pin change over relay with power direct from the battery and triggered by a feed from the van 12V source so that the habitation relay disconnected it when on tow

Its not vital but you need to be aware of it

 

[xtrailman]

However you do it make sure the fuse is always smaller than the cable rating, the fuse must rupture before the cable overheats,melts the insulation, with the possibility of a fire.

Another point with low voltage systems to be aware off is voltage drop, fit a heavy rated cable rather than one just on the limit, this is more important with the longer runs.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

However you do it make sure the fuse is always smaller than the cable rating, the fuse must rupture before the cable overheats,melts the insulation, with the possibility of a fire.

Another point with low voltage systems to be aware off is voltage drop, fit a heavy rated cable rather than one just on the limit, this is more important with the longer runs.

Good point especially fot TV