Discussion Adding 12V DC socket after a USB charger?

Synomenon

Lifer
Dec 25, 2004
10,547
6
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I've installed a USB Quick Charge 3.0 charger in my dash using one of these add-a-circuit fuse taps:

61VfRF2mBGL._AC_SL1000_.jpg


I'd like to add a hidden 12V DC socket in my dash now, but can't find any other ignition-switched fuse in my interior fuse box. Can I simply wire the 12V DC socket to this same add-a-circuit tap I've already put in there and just insert a higher rating fuse for the red wire that both the USB Quick Charge charger and 12V DC socket, are now both connected to?
 
 

deadlyapp

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2004
6,656
737
126
As long as the wires are safely capable of handling the extra current, yes you should be fine. I often install a single power tap with high gauge cable and tee off of it for various accessories. You don't really specify how you added this "add a fuse" tap and if its tapped to another fused connection or what but that will affect the solution.
 

Synomenon

Lifer
Dec 25, 2004
10,547
6
81
So the add-a-fuse tap is plugged into where a fuse was plugged into in the interior fuse box. The fuse that was originally in its place is then inserted into the add-a-fuse's bottom slot and then another fuse is inserted in the top slot for the wire going to the accessory device. I have this installed currently with the add-a-fuse:

51a3sLrLthL._AC_SL1000_.jpg








and want to add this as well:

51OcFfqm2WL._AC_SL1200_.jpg
 

deadlyapp

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2004
6,656
737
126
Ah - that's a cool system, I've never seen that before. As NutBucket said, I'd just keep whatever the current sized fuse is and just be careful about what you operate. It's probably a 10 or 15 amp fuse, so you'll be limited to around 120-180W. Your USB port shouldn't pull any more than 15-20W so you should be fine.
 
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BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
16,320
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Here's what I did. The ACCessory circuit which has it's own fusible-link to the battery switches on with the ignition. Your radio should be tapped off of it with a separate radio fuse, and your cigar-lighter on another fuse that can handle 20A. I can only guess that the radio is 10A.

Circumvent the radio or cigar lighter by using a brass fuse tap on the battery and switch side of the existing radio fuse junction. Thus, the current draw will not affect the OEM or existing equipment and their fuses.

Then, as you wish, you can use two or three separate wires with fuses on them to this fuse-tap, or run a wire from the fuse tap to an auxiliary fuse-box small enough to fit near your existing (hopefully interior) fuse box. The auxiliary item need have only about four fuse slots in it it's up to you. Now, if the QC charger draws 1 or 2A @ 12V, you can fuse it in the extra box with a 2A, and so on and so forth.