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12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 13 Dec 2009, 23:07
by nesty
On my Holdsworth I got 2 cigarette 12v sockets. Anybody know the rating of the standard 12v socket on a T25? If I wanted to up the ampage on the socket is it ok to just replace the wiring?
I want to run a laptop and other gadgets from a 12v adaptor via the socket. However, I am not sure of the actual rating of the original socket? Ok I could purchase a new socket, but would prefer to keep the original if poss.
Re: 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 13 Dec 2009, 23:20
by kevtherev
typically 10 amps (fused)... more than enough for a lap top I would think
be wary of voltage spikes though as the supply can spike if the car is started.
Re: 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 13 Dec 2009, 23:32
by nesty
OK cheers many thanks.
Re: 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 14 Dec 2009, 00:15
by andisnewsyncro
Maplins do a regulated plug in adapter for cig lighters with variable output but, as Kev said, watch the voltage when starting - best bet is to plug in once it's running.
My bro- in-law ran his laptop off an un-regulated cig lead and melted the motherboard, I've just sold the machine for him on ebay for £39 spares or repairs so it can be an expensive mistake
Re: 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 14 Dec 2009, 00:23
by nesty
It would be unlikely I would start the engine whislt having it plugged in, though would watchout for that.
Re: 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 14 Dec 2009, 17:30
by Cafnod
Hi Nesty
I thought cigarette lighter sockets were 5 amp, maybe I am thinking of auxillary sockets that do not take fag buttons but are just outlets, but I suggest you check which yours are.
If you want to go higher than ten amp many people use round pin plugs like houses used to be fitted with, they are available again from ebay and screwfix and come in 3 amp 5 amp and 15 amp I believe. They also latch into place and dont pull out like cig plugs tend to.
HTH
Re: 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 14 Dec 2009, 17:50
by nesty
Mine is just a socket (no fag lighter). I took it out today. I might just re-wire with 11 amp wire & put a 10 amp fuse in.
Though looking through the 12 volt shop website and they have a 20 amp fag lighter for £7. Might go with that with some heavy duty wiring.
Re: 12 Volt cigarette lighter socket
Posted: 15 Dec 2009, 19:16
by Cafnod
nesty wrote:Mine is just a socket (no fag lighter). I took it out today. I might just re-wire with 11 amp wire & put a 10 amp fuse in.
Though looking through the 12 volt shop website and they have a 20 amp fag lighter for £7. Might go with that with some heavy duty wiring.
Might be a good idea, then you could use a multiway socket adaptor and know that you wouldnt overload it as long as you kept within the overall twenty amp rating.