Questions about 12v socket panel
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Printed Date: 20 Jun 2025 at 1:25am
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Topic: Questions about 12v socket panel
Posted By: biggestjosh
Subject: Questions about 12v socket panel
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2021 at 12:15pm
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I'm mostly planning on camping off forest service roads where there's no power hookups, etc. I want to install some 12v power sockets. Am I correct in thinking I can just get something like this https://www.amazon.com/Linkstyle-Charger-Voltmeter-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B07JHH5YP4/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=12v+charging+ports&qid=1632157952&sr=8-4 And then connect it to any open port in the fuse box with an add-a-circuit fuse tap? If so, what amp fuse would I need if I plan to charge phones and possibly power a 12v TV? Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2021 at 1:12pm
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That would work quite nicely. It also gives you a much better read-out for battery state of charge than the panel LED lights. I'm guessing that the switch will turn off the unit and stop any unnecessary power drains. If you are considering putting it in the bed area, consider one without the meter and install a separate meter. The light from it might be annoying at night. https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Lighter-Splitter-Charger-Waterproof/dp/B07RHY97ZZ/ - https://www.amazon.com/Cigarette-Lighter-Splitter-Charger-Waterproof/dp/B07RHY97ZZ/ As for size of fuse, phones would only need something like a 5A fuse which would be more than adequate. For the TV, you may need a larger one. Check the TV to see what the power draw is and size your fuse accordingly to allow for both TV use and phone charging. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: biggestjosh
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2021 at 2:05pm
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OK great, thanks for the info! Would that be cumulative? I.e. if I need a 5A fuse for the usb outlets and my TV draws another 4 amps, would I want to get a 10A fuse, or would a 5A fuse be sufficient?
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Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2021 at 7:02pm
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The fuse protects the wiring and sockets from fire. Select your fuse by the size of the wire, not the load. Also, do not load a fuse over 80% of its rating. That means an add-a-fuse on the wrong circuit could overload it. Look to see if you have an extra fuse place, or 2. My 180 has 1 extra 12V space. ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2021 at 8:19pm
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+1. My note was assuming you used an adequate gauge of wire for the task. If the TV draws 4A and the USB outlet while in use draws 4A, a 5A fuse would not be sufficient to allow simultaneous use. In that case, size the wire to allow for a 10A fuse and you would be okay. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2021 at 10:45pm
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I would recommend a minimum of
12l AWG wire for pretty much any 12V circuit. That is to reduce resistive voltage drop in the wires, which is much more of an issue at 12V than at 120V. 12AWG can handle 20A so a 20A fuse will protect that circuit and hopefully keep you above the 25% rule Colt is raising (load = 80% of fuse is the same as fuse = 125% of load). . And yes the currents for all the loads you have on that circuit are additive. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: biggestjosh
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2021 at 9:24am
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Thanks all, this is incredibly helpful. As far as adding the circuit to the fuse box, does it matter which extra slot in the fuse box I use? There are quite a few open spots:  |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2021 at 11:46am
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Shouldn't matter. Of course, you should use your multimeter to be sure you have 12v to that fuse location.
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |