12v socket placement at front ?

[Enceladus]

hi all
got a 12v socket that i want to put somewhere near the front to power the sat nav / mobile etc. whilst riding.
was thinking about putting it on the inner fairing on the left hand side (the flat, matt plastic bit).
any suggestions, comments, thoughts, tips greatfully received ! 

[alexanderfitu]

It seems to be a popular place.

Just keep in mind the bar movements as you turn, as some chargers can stick out quite far from the socket.

I have mine underneath my seat, and then run the wire up to the bars.

[simonm]

Sounds like a bad idea to me.  Far too likely to get tangled up in the steering.  I'd more likely route a perm cable from a cig lighter under the seat and make a cap for the usb/microusb either from an old female socket or some Sugru.  A guy did this a little while ago though, I'll find his post.

[simonm]

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,6449.0.html

[Enceladus]

thanks
fortunately the socket i have is not one of the flush type so the 12v plug will lay flat (or nearly) against the fairing.
got a coiled cable to run to the sat nav / phone from it as well.

[simonm]

When I looked at doing it I did wonder if the steel headlight supports would be a good place as it would be placed horizontal and also more out of the way of wind and rain but I never came to any conclusion.

[Enceladus]

would i need an inline fuse (guess so) and if so, what rating of fuse ?

[alexanderfitu]

slightly below the rating of the wire runnng to the socket.


If the wire can support 15 amps, then a 10 amp fuse is a safe bet.

[Enceladus]

slightly below the rating of the wire runnng to the socket.

If the wire can support 15 amps, then a 10 amp fuse is a safe bet.

thanks
obvious when you think about it 
must get more sleep!

[alexanderfitu]

[simonm]

I see no reason to have anything greater than a 5a fuse tbh.

[Albert Herring]

I put a cigarette lighter socket on the LH inner fairing, about half way back; it's a Maplins jobbie with a supposedly waterproof cap (labelled "MARINE"). Eventually got around to fitting an inline fuse (6A wire, 5A fuse) but it didn't catch fire in the interim even with an always-on connection (just put it straight onto the battery terminals, wire under the tank) and parked up out in the rain. No flat battery either (except when I leave the parking light on, which I do routinely about once every six months) No fouling problems with a flush-fitting USB plug, can run a phone charger wire etc. into tank bag or pocket. 

[ChristoT]

Don't put it on the bars. Mine's there (fitted by previous owner) and it's a pain in the neck. Keeps filling with water, and every time I turn the bars, the connection goes iffy. As for under the seat - consider when you'll be using it. If you're likely to use the Satnav with panniers on, you'll curse fitting it there.

[Exupnut]

if u do fit it in the fairing inner(best place imhfo ) make sure A) u drill the hole (usually bout 1 inch ish) carefully and B) get a marine 12v socket that has a very sturdy cover.
8 pound with a fused live. something like this...


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FUSED-12v-Accessory-Cigarette-Lighter-Power-Socket-Kit-/180502761187?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a06cd8ee3

[alexanderfitu]

I see no reason to have anything greater than a 5a fuse tbh.

Its a cig lighter socket, other things apart from phone chargers can be plugged into it

[simonm]

Next to naff all will draw more than 5a from a cig lighter. Giz an example?

2x2.1amp usbs wouldn't blow it. What kinda daisy chaining are you doing? A portable kettle, a cig lighter?

[alexanderfitu]

12v tyre pump will do.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

[alexanderfitu]

I'm not using it for anything else but if it's there and rated for 10 amps then why not have it so it can be used if need be? If your putting it in then you can choose.

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[simonm]

Just to protect your equipment I guess. I'd rather carry spare fuses with me than try and find a new phone or charger cos I blew them up. I suppose they should be fused anyway but cartridge fuses are just cheaper easier.

[alexanderfitu]

The charger will only draw what it needs to, if it shorts internally it will blow a 5, 10, 15 30, amp fuse etc, regardless of whats protecting it.


I wouldnt loose sleep over it though 

[simonm]

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?topic=6449.msg59965.msg#59965

4th post dude.

[simonm]

The charger will only draw what it needs to, if it shorts internally it will blow a 5, 10, 15 30, amp fuse etc, regardless of whats protecting it.


I wouldnt loose sleep over it though 

Using that logic an extension lead wouldn't be fused? I only put a 5amp in cos the most I'd draw would be 3-4 amps. Personal preference I'm sure.

[alexanderfitu]

[size=78%]Using that logic an extension lead wouldn't be fused? I only put a 5amp in cos the most I'd draw would be 3-4 amps. Personal preference I'm sure.[/size]

Why do you say that?

[simonm]

Most cig lighter accessories are already internally fused (a glass cylinder fuse) , including usb chargers. All the cig lighter really is an extension lead to the battery that is fused.

I've never looked inside a tyre inflater though tbh, I don't think one would fit under a bike seat anyway would it?

[alexanderfitu]

Oh right, I see what you mean.


If the extension lead to the battery wore against the frame at one point and through the insulation, it would be a dead short and would then blow the fuse. Thats the reason you keep the fuse as close to the positive terminal of the battery (or wherever it goes) as possible.


Lol no mine doesnt, I keep it in my "emergency pack" which is in my top box. Tyre inflator, puncture repair kit, breakdown info etc. Its helped me at least once!