Use for the plug in socket.

[HBG]

Hi. I understand that accessories for the plug-in socket are thin on the ground. I stumbled across a Hella plug that looked like it was the right size so I bought a USB outlet with the plug on it. Alas, it was much too loose.

So last night I had a play with some copper tube, couple if blobs of solder, a rivnut and some Milliput epoxy to extend the centre contact and widen the outer part.

I've not tried it yet.........your thoughts on whether this is ill advised?

Howard

[SanRemo78]

Not at all! Just make sure that the first time you test it there's a fuse (already there or fitted in line temporarily) before plugging it in. Or anything into the USB adaptor.
Guy

[Wangler]

Might also be worth checking the polarity to make sure it's wired the way you want.

[HBG]

This thing works! Had it charging my phone. As expected, the plug in socket is always live which isn't ideal as the USB socket has a light and will draw power. It's also a bit of a fiddle to use from the drivers seat.

[SanRemo78]

Excellent result! Can you post a link to the Hella base unit you modified? I'm restoring a Beta at the moment and it has the same socket in it! I have the rechargeable torch (long dead) for this socket and I'm hoping to revive it. If that fails then a USB charging point might be useful and more reliable than the plug in type for cigarette lighter sockets which always seem loose with poor contacts to me.

Guy

[HBG]

I started with this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384961647708

Because of the current draw I'll not use it unless I'm out for the day. Fit it in the morning, take out at night. It's almost impossible to fit it from the seat.

My experience with cigarette lighter sockets might be like yours. I plugged my everyday phone charger into the Fulvia and it didn't work at all. Tested the socket and it has 12v....and the cigarette lighter works/ glows red hot....not sure why it won't power my charger.

[Wangler]

Why didn't you simply hardwire a USB socket into the car's system?

Search on eBay for: 12V Dual USB Port Waterproof Motorcycle Motorbike Charger Power Adapter Socket

[HBG]

I probably will. The plug has a light, I'll try and find one that doesn't draw power all the time.

[SanRemo78]

Or just move the power feed to a fuse that's ignition controlled now you've done the hard part?

[Wangler]

I probably will. The plug has a light, I'll try and find one that doesn't draw power all the time.

The light is almost certainly an LED, in which case the current draw is minuscule and unlikely to flatten your battery for many weeks, by which time it would usually need recharging anyway!

Or wire it via the ignition as SanRemo suggested.

[HBG]

I probably will. The plug has a light, I'll try and find one that doesn't draw power all the time.

The light is almost certainly an LED, in which case the current draw is minuscule and unlikely to flatten your battery for many weeks, by which time it would usually need recharging anyway!

Or wire it via the ignition as SanRemo suggested.

You're right. Given that the car has a discarnect that I use, it's probably just fine to leave it plugged in and keep a lead handy for my phone.