Cig Lighter Question

Nickwell24 · 03-05-2008, 03:59 PM

So i've built a switch with the main reason being to power the computer. How hard is it to cut the Cig lighter cables and run their power to a switch to do the same thing?

skuller · 03-07-2008, 02:23 PM

although it's not recommended to tap into cig lighter as your main source of power, but it's pretty easy to do that.
simple 5 minute wiring.

dnr250 · 03-07-2008, 05:08 PM

I agree with Skuller. I only add that you remove the fuse powering the lighter plug and cut one wire at a time to prevent shorts.
DNR

greatwhite · 03-07-2008, 05:15 PM

Hmmm...........

Are you saying you want to use the cig lighter to power the 'puter, or to control a relay (switch) to turn it on and off?

Nothing wrong with using it to trigger the puter on/off as the draw would be minimal, but it's not recommended to use the wiring to power the computer.

Cheers

HiJackZX1 · 03-07-2008, 05:22 PM

This what will happen if you power the PC through the cig lighter socket........... Props go to Toaster for his excellent art work.

greatwhite · 03-07-2008, 05:24 PM

Ha!

You really like that one, dontcha?

Cheers

HiJackZX1 · 03-07-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by greatwhite

Ha!

You really like that one, dontcha?

Cheers

HAHAHAHA, yea I have it saved on my PC..... I wish there was an animated version.

brucedog · 03-07-2008, 05:58 PM

...little cartoon guy with flaming butt trying to grab a red-hot smokin' carpc!

HiJackZX1 · 03-07-2008, 09:18 PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, its supposed to show that if you use the wrong guage cable the pc will blow up.... but if you use the right guage wire you have a nice drive, lol

Nickwell24 · 03-08-2008, 02:18 AM

Well that puts a new meaning to firecrotch. but please

Okay the cig lighter idea out, what's the best way to get power to the laptop? i mean i know run a dedicated line off the battery, but what gauge should be used etc.

skuller · 03-08-2008, 05:30 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

Well that puts a new meaning to firecrotch. but please

Okay the cig lighter idea out, what's the best way to get power to the laptop? i mean i know run a dedicated line off the battery, but what gauge should be used etc.

read the faq, there is a wire gauge calculator based on the amount of power you need.
I used 10awg for my laptop setup. (lattitude d610)

HiJackZX1 · 03-08-2008, 06:00 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

Well that puts a new meaning to firecrotch. but please

Okay the cig lighter idea out, what's the best way to get power to the laptop? i mean i know run a dedicated line off the battery, but what gauge should be used etc.

It depends on what you will running..... If you think your only going to be running the laptop and the screen, go with 8 guage..... If you plan to add more devices and or want room to add things, go with 4 guage....... Also use distrobution blocks and fuses were need be.... I have one fuse near the battery, a circuit breaker under the seat, then another fuse for the amp in the back.

Nickwell24 · 03-09-2008, 03:42 AM

Where is a good place to buy 4 awg gire? the radio shack near me doesn't carry anything above 18 awg... so it's only 18 and 20, no thicker. Also how much should i expect to spend on stuff like wiring fuses and distro blocks.

greatwhite · 03-09-2008, 06:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Nickwell24

Where is a good place to buy 4 awg gire? the radio shack near me doesn't carry anything above 18 awg... so it's only 18 and 20, no thicker. Also how much should i expect to spend on stuff like wiring fuses and distro blocks.

Auto stereo stuff or (my favorite) welding supply store. Hafl the car audio stuffs price.

HiJackZX1 · 03-09-2008, 09:17 AM

PEP BOYS has 4 to 8 gauge for 39.99 .....