installing extra DC power outlets

[xanis]

I have a 2000 Chevy Cavalier 2dr, 2.2L, 3-speed auto.

I need more DC outlets. Currently there's only one outlet, and it's in an awkward spot – behind and slightly to the right of the steering wheel. I bought this 3-outlet 12V DC unit yesterday. While I could just use the supplied adapter and plug it in to my current outlet, I'd rather do things right and wire it in to the car's existing power system.

The kit came with a set of wires that includes this. Now, from what I can tell, the cylindrical piece on the red wire is an inline fuse and the black wire is for grounding. The connector where the black and red wires meet is, I assume, where one would somehow connect it to the vehicle's fuse panel. I'll take a picture of my fuse panel tomorrow once it's light out.

I think I have a basic understanding of how this all works. I did some math and there will be plenty of power available for the devices I would be plugging in. My only real question now is how do I wire it in via the fuse panel? I watched a video on CNET but they were wiring it for constant power, something that I do not need. I only need power when the engine is running.

I'm still a little unclear on this, so could someone help me out?

 

[NutBucket]

Best way would be to wire it to the battery via a relay. The relay would trigger off a switched 12V source, such as the existing cig lighter.

 

[xanis]

Best way would be to wire it to the battery via a relay. The relay would trigger off a switched 12V source, such as the existing cig lighter.

Any tutorials or videos I could watch that detail this?

 

[xanis]

Alright, I did a little more research. Can I just wire the red wire from the outlets to a fuse tap, which in turn goes to a fuse placed in a "hot" (for constant power) or "cold" (for power only when engine is on)?

 

[TruePaige]

The easy way to do it is just to buy an adapter that plugs in, has like three new DC jacks and has some length so you can position it somewhere you like.

Just throwing that out that there in case it helps.

 

[xanis]

The easy way to do it is just to buy an adapter that plugs in, has like three new DC jacks and has some length so you can position it somewhere you like.

Just throwing that out that there in case it helps.

The adapter I bought (in OP) comes with an adapter to plug in to the only currently-available outlet. Like I said, it'll work, but I'd like a more permanent solution.

 

[NutBucket]

Hmm, on second thought, you could use something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-FHA...=pd_sim_auto_1

You can insert this in place of the existing cig lighter fuse (so it will be switched with the ignition) and connect your extra outlets to the second output. Would be much simpler.

 

[xanis]

Hmm, on second thought, you could use something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-FHA...=pd_sim_auto_1

You can insert this in place of the existing cig lighter fuse (so it will be switched with the ignition) and connect your extra outlets to the second output. Would be much simpler.

Oh wow, that's a really good solution actually. Thanks.

 

[NutBucket]

No problem. One thing you must keep in mind is that you can only draw 10 amps from the additional outlets. I'm not sure what you plan on plugging in but check that 10A is sufficient for those devices. If you need more current, then you will need to use more than one of those add-a-circuit. And, those devices are available from any autoparts store. No need to order from Amazon

 

[xanis]

No problem. One thing you must keep in mind is that you can only draw 10 amps from the additional outlets. I'm not sure what you plan on plugging in but check that 10A is sufficient for those devices. If you need more current, then you will need to use more than one of those add-a-circuit. And, those devices are available from any autoparts store. No need to order from Amazon

As of now, the only things that I'll be plugging in will be an iPhone charger and a GPS. I don't remember the exact number but I think it was somewhere around ~5-6A total.

 

[alfa147x]

Hmm, on second thought, you could use something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-FHA...=pd_sim_auto_1

You can insert this in place of the existing cig lighter fuse (so it will be switched with the ignition) and connect your extra outlets to the second output. Would be much simpler.

Wow sweet thanks man, Im thinking about adding two:
One to the left of the steering wheel and one in the box in between the 2 seats

 

[xanis]

Wow sweet thanks man, Im thinking about adding two:
One to the left of the steering wheel and one in the box in between the 2 seats

Just looked into it. Unfortunately, I've looked at every auto parts store in my area and no one carries it.

 

[alfa147x]

Just looked into it. Unfortunately, I've looked at every auto parts store in my area and no one carries it.

If thats the case ill just splice

 

[Yowen]

but going with the cig lighter fuse, my cig lighter always works, no matter what the engine does. So it still wouldn't be switched with the ignition?

 

[xanis]

Alright, this sounds like a stupid question but... how do I connect the outlets to a fuse?

EDIT: Never mind, I figured it out. I know how to do it now... it's just a matter of getting to the back of the fuse panel which is proving to be a gigantic PITA.

 

[ShawnD1]

As of now, the only things that I'll be plugging in will be an iPhone charger and a GPS. I don't remember the exact number but I think it was somewhere around ~5-6A total.

This doesn't sound right. An iPhone can be charged through a standard USB connection and the max power those can put out is something like 0.5A at 5V. If it's pulling 5A at 12V, your iPhone is going to melt. GPS also shouldn't take more than 1A.

 

[Arkaign]

OP, I mean this in the nicest possible way, so don't take this as flaming or anything like that. I've also had to deal with older cars and beaters and whatnot during my time as well, but :

A 2000 Cavalier is a deathtrap. The safety on those things is atrocious. That 2.2L is a pretty reliable motor, but hooking it up to that 3-speed auto is a tragedy that ruins your highway MPG (not to mention your hearing after hearing it drone at 4500rpm to maintain 65mph on a slight incline). The suspension, handling, and braking were poor even when the car was new.

I may be preaching to the choir here. Times are tough for a lot of folks, so if you're stuck with that for a while, that's understandable, just be safe! If at all possible, jump to a safer vehicle when you can. It doesn't have to be expensive or whatever, just something that's not a real hazard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuQta-Ftwy8

^^ That's the frontal impact, which it scored poorly in. The side impact tests, which I couldn't find videos of, were some of the lowest scores ever taken, with a very high risk of fatality from a 35mph collision.

 

[xanis]

OP, I mean this in the nicest possible way, so don't take this as flaming or anything like that. I've also had to deal with older cars and beaters and whatnot during my time as well, but :

A 2000 Cavalier is a deathtrap. The safety on those things is atrocious. That 2.2L is a pretty reliable motor, but hooking it up to that 3-speed auto is a tragedy that ruins your highway MPG (not to mention your hearing after hearing it drone at 4500rpm to maintain 65mph on a slight incline). The suspension, handling, and braking were poor even when the car was new.

I may be preaching to the choir here. Times are tough for a lot of folks, so if you're stuck with that for a while, that's understandable, just be safe! If at all possible, jump to a safer vehicle when you can. It doesn't have to be expensive or whatever, just something that's not a real hazard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuQta-Ftwy8

^^ That's the frontal impact, which it scored poorly in. The side impact tests, which I couldn't find videos of, were some of the lowest scores ever taken, with a very high risk of fatality from a 35mph collision.

No offense taken. I knew it wasn't the safest vehicle when I got it. I bought it for several reasons:

1) Almost none of my ~5,000 yearly miles are highway, so the gas mileage is pretty good (~26mpg).
2) I got a good deal on it.
3) No frills, so less potentially expensive repairs.

Fortunately, I only drive the thing maybe 4 months out of the year. Unfortunately, however, since I don't drive all that much a new car just isn't in the budget.

 

[xanis]

This doesn't sound right. An iPhone can be charged through a standard USB connection and the max power those can put out is something like 0.5A at 5V. If it's pulling 5A at 12V, your iPhone is going to melt. GPS also shouldn't take more than 1A.

Yeah, my math was wrong. I just checked the package.

 

[Arkaign]

No offense taken. I knew it wasn't the safest vehicle when I got it. I bought it for several reasons:

1) Almost none of my ~5,000 yearly miles are highway, so the gas mileage is pretty good (~26mpg).
2) I got a good deal on it.
3) No frills, so less potentially expensive repairs.

Fortunately, I only drive the thing maybe 4 months out of the year. Unfortunately, however, since I don't drive all that much a new car just isn't in the budget.

I hear ya! I'm relieved to hear that you don't have to drive much, just be safe out there They are indeed a pretty reliable cheap option with the 2.2L, it just makes me nervous with the thing being built so flimsy in case of accidents.