Cigarette/Accessory Outlet

**stikman** · 21st March 2007, 08:56 PM

Hi All,

I am using a fridge for our upcoming fraser trip but have been advised to be careful using the 12 volt cigarette adapter as it draws 10amps and the standard wiring on the Cigarette lighter might not be up to it. The standard fuse appears to be 10amp but has somewhere along the line has been replaced with a 15amp fuse.
Some Questions: 1) Should i put a 10amp fuse back in for the cigarette lighter? (I assume it is supposed to be 10amp based on the rest of the wiring so having a 15amp fuse is not great?). 2) Will the standard socket with the 10amp fuse handle the fridge drawing 10amps? Will anything go before the fuse, i.e. wiring etc? 3) Should i install a second cigarette/accessory outlet using heavier amp wiring and fuse? What should i use to give a good alround internal 12volt source, i.e. 20amp wire 15/20amp fuse or higher and what combination? Should the fuse be lower rated then the wiring so it is the weakest link? if so by how much.

**dmdigital** · 21st March 2007, 09:02 PM

First off, what fridge are you using and what is it's current draw?

Secondly, remember the socket is only live when the ignition is switched to AUX or ON

**Noki 3.9** · 21st March 2007, 09:07 PM

Hi, you should use a fuse thats lower in amps to your wire so that the fuse is the weakest point and will blow before the wire starts to melt etc..
Your fridge draws a lot of current, does it draw that much all the time? I was looking at some Waeco fridges on the weekend and they claim to draw only 0.85 amps??? Most cig sockets are only rated to 10 amps so if you are going to place another socket in the car I know of another type that is stronger but cant think of its name and run some 4mm cable.

**stikman** · 21st March 2007, 09:09 PM

It is a Dometic Chescold 3 way fridge/freezer. 12v 120w 10amps. We will be cooling it on 240V, packing it and sticking it in the car for the trip to Fraser and will then run it on gas once set up. Would like to be able to run it on 12V on the trip up though.

**stikman** · 21st March 2007, 09:13 PM

Thanks Noki. The fridge is just a loaner so dont know much about it. It is a condenser fridge (3 way) so that might be why it has a higher draw?
I have some 4mm cable (20amp) so would i run an inline fuse at 15amp? and are the sockets rated or just the wiring? will a cheap cig socket heat up or something?

**Noki 3.9** · 21st March 2007, 09:21 PM

Yes the sockets are rated so it will heat up if overloaded. I would use an inline fuse at least 10-15 amp. Im trying to find the name of that other type of socket as I type. My waeco has one on it. It comes with an adapter so it can be used in a normal socket or take of the end of it so it fits a heavier duty socket. I will let you know as soon as I do, unless someone beats me to it

**Noki 3.9** · 21st March 2007, 09:22 PM

Hey, when are you going up to Fraser, we leave here next Fri heading there also and are staying for 7 days

**Noki 3.9** · 21st March 2007, 09:27 PM

Ok found it... its called a Hella type plug and socket (heavy duty cigar type)... rated to 15 amps . Hope that helps you out

**DRanged** · 21st March 2007, 09:28 PM

Philippe

Be very careful as the Chescold draws a fair current as it is not a compressor fridge. It uses an element from memory ( heat exchanger type )
As far as female cig sockets go, I picked up a heavy duty stainless steel unit 20amp rated from Battery world. But Drivesafe would probably have the same.

Run it direct from your battery with an inline fuse with the correct guage wire. Dont forget to run a twin core + & - together.

Justin

**stikman** · 21st March 2007, 09:29 PM

Thanks Noki, apparently the plug on the fridge is up to the task so just need a suitable socket. Will see if i can find a rated one 15-20amps. Will run 20amp wire and a 15amp fuse. Hopefully that will do it. Now just need to get it all done tomorrow.

There is a whole bunch of use from GCLRO heading up on Friday morning, coming back Monday. Looks like we miss you by a week. At last count i think we had 30 people going, so should be a good trip.
Appreciate your help.

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