I've just fitted a ciggy lighter to my Locost - cue joke about "as useful as a cigarette lighter on a motorbike!"

I only want it as a power socket so the lighter bit will be removed, but I want to make sure that the fuse I put in is big enough in case some weed addict decides to plug one back in.

So, the question is (at last), what current does a ciggy lighter take when activated?

cheers,
David

They usually have a 10A fuse so that is probably a safe upper limit

That sounds fine - off to Maplins at lunchtime for a fuse holder and fuses!

Thanks.

instead of a ciggy light socket, why not use a '12V power supply' socket that current Fords and VAG cars use, they usually come with a nice cover to them an at least looks less like a ciggy lighter.

Jon Ison sells both the power sockets and ciggy lighter sockets with flip lids for a small fee. We have a power socket type which is a smaller diameter one but it's mounted way under the dash and is used only for trickle charging over winter. It cannot be used for a ciggy socket as the diameters are different.

However, most trickle charger with ciggy plug's are exactly that a ciggy plug and corresponding diameter so we had to change it to a proper one.

Now we are considering using it for SatNav so we are finally going to remove the power socket and exchange for a more compatible socket ie the ciggy socket.

Hope that's clear!

It was a case of having the socket lying in a box at home, plus the fact that there are tons of accessories available that plug straight in (lights, etc.).

It'll look fine once I get a cover to replace the lighter (they sell them in Halfords for a few pence).

David

Just installed one myself too and also decided on a ciggy size socket. I can convert my gadgets to the smaller size but what if I want to borrow something at a track day?

That's exactly what I thought - all the gadgets and gizmos are made in bulk for ordinary tin-tops, with their ciggy lighter sockets.

DJ

I was under the impression that the bulk market plugs fit a DIN socket as well as a ciggy socket. I chose a 12v power outlet because it looked more professional. I am going to use mine for trickle charging and satnav among other things, so I had better check it fits.

Depends on the plug - you can buy ciggy socket plugs that have a removable collar - take that off and it'll fit a DIN socket.