Charging batteries through the cig. lighter socket

[harro]

I have recently installed an optima cranking battery and agm deep cycle in My Defender Td5.
I have also purchased a Ctek battery charger to maintain both batteries.

Question; is it ok or do people have opinions on charging through the cig lighter/acc. socket?
The charger has an optional lead for plugging into the socket so just wondering if there are any risks involved like frying the ECU etc.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Bushie]

Isn't cig lighter only available with ignition on ?

Martyn

[Loubrey]

Yeh, but so is the alternator...:D

[harro]

Isn't cig lighter only available with ignition on ?

Martyn

Thanks Martyn, I had completely forgotten about that.

Paul.

[101RRS]

Also I would not have thought that the cabling to the cig lighter would not be large enough to supply adequate power to charge a low battery - might be OK on a maintenance charge but not likely for a decent charge.

Garry

[Judo]

Also I would not have thought that the cabling to the cig lighter would not be large enough to supply adequate power to charge a low battery - might be OK on a maintenance charge but not likely for a decent charge.

Garry
As much as I personally wouldn't do it, the cig lighter if actually used as a cig lighter would draw a decent current. It would work (with ignitio on), but the problem is, I still wouldn't trust factory wiring to a cig lighter being that it goes behind the dash and all. If it melts and starts smoking, it wouldn't be much fun putting out a fire behind your dash!

Cig lighter is not really "fit for purpose". Direct wiring to battery is.

[RVR110]

the problem is, I still wouldn't trust factory wiring to a cig lighter being that it goes behind the dash and all.

I'd expect the fuse to blow before the wiring ;)

It depends on the model, but if the charger draws more than 10 amps then the cig lighter ain't gonna cut it.

[austastar]

Hi,
put an Anderson plug on the outside of the battery box with heavy wiring and suitable fuse.
You can use that to charge the battery with your charger or a solar panel.
It could also be a quick and easy access to run a compressor or any other device.
cheers

[Judo]

Hi,
put an Anderson plug on the outside of the battery box with heavy wiring and suitable fuse.
You can use that to charge the battery with your charger or a solar panel.
It could also be a quick and easy access to run a compressor or any other device.
cheers
x2 for anderson plug somewhere on/near battery box.

[KarlB]

I use these:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/05/1441.jpg

Cheers
KarlB
:)