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Power outlet help

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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 07:35 PM
  #1  
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Power outlet help

I want to install a power outlet to plug in my GPS unit but I am not very good with wiring and don't want to screw it up by randomly trying to tap in to the wiring. Want it only to be live when ignition on. I am assuming I can put spade tips on the power wire and plug into the fuse block somewhere and then negative to ground somewhere..........need help with the somewheres! There is no fuse on the outlet I bought. If someone has tapped into the fuse block, pic of where you plugged in would be great.

Thanks!
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 07:50 PM
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Car: 1986 Camaro Iroc Z
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Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Firedup
I want to install a power outlet to plug in my GPS unit but I am not very good with wiring and don't want to screw it up by randomly trying to tap in to the wiring. Want it only to be live when ignition on. I am assuming I can put spade tips on the power wire and plug into the fuse block somewhere and then negative to ground somewhere..........need help with the somewheres! There is no fuse on the outlet I bought. If someone has tapped into the fuse block, pic of where you plugged in would be great.

Thanks!
Sorry, should mention I have an 86 IROC with 305 carb and T5.
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 01:06 AM
  #3  
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Re: Power outlet help

Look around on the fuse block for empty slots to slide the spade into. Might be one marked IGN. Use an inline fuse holder there. Should be good to go.
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 10:52 PM
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Car: 1986 Camaro Iroc Z
Engine: 305 Carb
Transmission: Auto but T5 sitting on the bench!
Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Rockguy
Look around on the fuse block for empty slots to slide the spade into. Might be one marked IGN. Use an inline fuse holder there. Should be good to go.
Thanks, what size fuse do you suggest? 20?

Thanks!
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Old Mar 27, 2016 | 11:48 PM
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Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Firedup
Thanks, what size fuse do you suggest? 20?

Thanks!
That would be more than enough for a GPS. Sizing a fuse is more about the size of wire being used. The larger wire you are using, the bigger fuse you can use to protect it.
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 03:19 PM
  #6  
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Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Rockguy
That would be more than enough for a GPS. Sizing a fuse is more about the size of wire being used. The larger wire you are using, the bigger fuse you can use to protect it.
Great, thank you!
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Old Mar 29, 2016 | 08:44 PM
  #7  
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Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Firedup
Great, thank you!
You're welcome. You can always add an extra socket to charge your phone.
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Old Apr 2, 2016 | 03:43 AM
  #8  
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Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: Carbed 305
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Re: Power outlet help

Im guessing your cigarette lighter outlet isnt working and probably popping the acc fuse every time you plug something into it. Am I correct?
If so, why not just replace the faulty outlet for under $10 to fix that issue, and then you can plug stuff directly there, or even buy one of the many extender outlets that will plug into it to give you additional ports.
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 06:18 PM
  #9  
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From: Waterdown, Ontario
Car: 1986 Camaro Iroc Z
Engine: 305 Carb
Transmission: Auto but T5 sitting on the bench!
Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by DonW
Im guessing your cigarette lighter outlet isnt working and probably popping the acc fuse every time you plug something into it. Am I correct?
If so, why not just replace the faulty outlet for under $10 to fix that issue, and then you can plug stuff directly there, or even buy one of the many extender outlets that will plug into it to give you additional ports.
Nothing is wrong with the cigarette lighter, but for some reason the adapter from my GPS unit won't work plugged into it. The other reason for installing the power outlet was so I could plug the GPS unit in an inconspicuous spot, running the cord behind the console to the GPS unit suctioned below the dash pad in the center of the dash, instead of it stuck to the windshield. Turned out pretty good!
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Old Apr 3, 2016 | 06:37 PM
  #10  
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From: Waterdown, Ontario
Car: 1986 Camaro Iroc Z
Engine: 305 Carb
Transmission: Auto but T5 sitting on the bench!
Re: Power outlet help



Originally Posted by Firedup
Nothing is wrong with the cigarette lighter, but for some reason the adapter from my GPS unit won't work plugged into it. The other reason for installing the power outlet was so I could plug the GPS unit in an inconspicuous spot, running the cord behind the console to the GPS unit suctioned below the dash pad in the center of the dash, instead of it stuck to the windshield. Turned out pretty good!
Reply
Old Apr 3, 2016 | 08:40 PM
  #11  
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Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Firedup


That's exactly where I put my extra plugs. I made a little bracket that held two of them. I used the existing screw in the dash to hold it. No new holes in the car. I'm kind of **** about that.
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 09:40 PM
  #12  
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From: Waterdown, Ontario
Car: 1986 Camaro Iroc Z
Engine: 305 Carb
Transmission: Auto but T5 sitting on the bench!
Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Rockguy
That's exactly where I put my extra plugs. I made a little bracket that held two of them. I used the existing screw in the dash to hold it. No new holes in the car. I'm kind of **** about that.
I try to keep everything looking like it was supposed to be there, nice and clean!
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Old Apr 5, 2016 | 04:09 AM
  #13  
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From: Tennessee
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: Carbed 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Power outlet help

Originally Posted by Firedup
Nothing is wrong with the cigarette lighter, but for some reason the adapter from my GPS unit won't work plugged into it. The other reason for installing the power outlet was so I could plug the GPS unit in an inconspicuous spot, running the cord behind the console to the GPS unit suctioned below the dash pad in the center of the dash, instead of it stuck to the windshield. Turned out pretty good!
Reply
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