Adding a 12V power source to charge my devices and power my satellite radio.

[Igt2beme]

How can I add a 12V power source (cigarette lighter plug)to charge my devices and power my satellite radio. I would like to add it on the left side of the boat in my stereo box but the fuse panel is on the right side. What is the easiest way? Can I just splice into the wires coming to the stereo or is this asking for trouble? Thanks for all the help.

 

[Creekwood]

Why not run up straight from the batteries by the engine up the left side. Put an inline fuse at the battery end of the wire and use heavy gauge wire. You probably don't want to splice into the radio feed. The wire is probably far too light to carry the current for the radio and the other devices. If you run heavy enough wire you could also potentially plug a small 110v inverter into the new lighter plug and power smaller 110v devices too (but watch your battery capacity if you do that)

 

[Newman]

I plan on adding one to my boat as well. I personally do not like cutting any factory wiring so I will be running new leads from the battery to the plug. I will be doing as Creekwood (sorry I don't know your name) mentioned and putting an in-line fuse right at the battery. The wires run for the radio were selected for the load of the radio so I would be hesitant to add any additional load to that wire. It would probably be fine for Sat radio and charging but little else. I wouldn't recommend that route.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Another thing to consider: I don't own any cig lighter cords anymore, and I don't miss them. My cars have USB and Apple connectors, so I've moved away from the cig plug completely. I've installed USB charging sockets in the cabin of the boat. This eliminates the clutter and swapping of separate chargers. My next project is to install 12V USB sockets in the bow-rider. It seems like when 6 people spend the day on the water, 2 smartphones are in need of a charge at any given time.

If you google "Marine 12v USB socket", you'll see the USB alternative to the cig socket, and the prices are reasonable.

 

[Nehalennia]

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Syst...qid=1395091256&sr=8-1&keywords=12v+usb+socket

I'm just not sure your Satellite radio will work on it.

Take pictures of your existing setup and post for more accurate feedback.

 

[Newman]

I considered that option as well but my radio has USB on it so I can charge a phone that way but I wanted the power plug for my 12v air pump. I'm sure as hell not blowing up tubes by hand. I drove back to the house last time I forgot to inflate the tube haha.

 

[Nehalennia]

You can just add the cig lighter outlet then. I did in the mid cabin for our kids to charge their electrical screens.


Just run a new 12V wire (marine grade wire), fused from a 12V buss or your battery.