Cigar Lighter / 12V socket

**Dio** · 11th November 2006, 14:53

OK, what I know about car electrics I could write on a fag packet

I want to wire in my PDA with Sat Nav and wanted to put in a hidden 12v socket so I can power the PDA and keep wiring hidden. I've read a few threads and have already pulled out all the trim so I can get to the back of the existing front socket - if I want to tap into the wiring will scotchblocks do the trick or are they risky ?

Thanks

**rushy** · 11th November 2006, 15:09

Dont go near them scotchblocks. there is a thread on here that should help you, will take a look and pop a link for you.

**rushy** · 11th November 2006, 15:32

Here you go mate, http://forum.vectra-c.com/showthread.php?t=10860

**bertxuk** · 11th November 2006, 18:50

I ended up buying a 12 socket with croc clips on the end which I cut off and wired that into a live feed off the back of the lights switch (correct wire and earthing point all thanks to helps from folks on here) and run my TomTom off that positioned bottom right corner of windscreen.

**Dio** · 12th November 2006, 00:11

Thanks for the link. I was out at halfords tonight and they suggested bullet clips and putting in a 15amp in line fuse. I guess this means cutting the wires to the 12v completely though and crimping everything back into the bullets. Not sure whats easiest or safest, from the thread Rushy left someone mentioned just exposing some of the wire on the 12v and then taping it all up after joining in the wires but is that any better than scotch blocks ?

**rushy** · 12th November 2006, 00:30

I would cut, splice and crimp male/ female connectors, or if you have access, solder and heat shrink.

**Dio** · 12th November 2006, 01:11

Cheers Rushy, I'll get all the bits together tomorrow and have a go, don't suppose I can fry much if I get it wrong !

**rushy** · 12th November 2006, 01:17

Lets just say "be it on your own head" but im sure you'll be ok.

**DennisTheMenace** · 12th November 2006, 01:18

come off the ciggy lighter if you can if your going to run a few things as its not under any load and the cable is thicker then the light switch , dont want a cabin fire , the dash might end up melting resembling the vectra b's

**cameraman** · 12th November 2006, 22:56

I bought a twin socket extension (1 plug & 2 seperate sockets) from Halfrauds, I cut the plug off & scocthlocked onto the back of the existing front socket for my sat nav cable, the socket is located just behind the ash tray. The other socket was put under the front "drinks holder" which I use for my phone charger, I drilled a hole for the charger cable to come through & my little nokia fits perfect with the cover over the top.

Whats wrong with Scotchblocks anyway?, we used to use them on servers in Sainsbury's a few years back to fit new fuse holders because the old ones melted!, never had a problem there & they were fickin big power supplies