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HOW TO: Install a power point/cigarette lighter socket

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by Oldyoungster, Mar 30, 2012.

  1. Oldyoungster

    Oldyoungster Member

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    This was done on a bike whose fusebox was replaced with inline blade fuse holders. This is alot easier if you have a blade fusebox with 6 ports and just put a wire on the connector on the "hot" side of your block that goes from the signal wire to an unused port.

    First thing's first-
    Collect all the necessary parts and equipment

    1. power socket
    This can be one specifically made for use as an accessory install or one that serves as an extension. If you get one specifically made for an aftermarket install then the wires are already separated and labeled. If you get an extension then you must separate and label them yourself

    2. Fuses
    10A fuse is good
    [​IMG]

    3. Inline blade fuse holder
    Cheaper at radioshack than they were at Auto parts stores
    [​IMG]
    The one to the left is perfect, The one in the middle is overkill, and the one to the right is okay. (however if you opted to replace your fusebox with inline fuses using the one on the left to replace your signal or ignition fuse makes my method a lot easier)

    4. Electrical install tools
    [​IMG]
    Wire Snips
    [​IMG]
    Crimper/stripper tool
    [not picture but very useful]
    A knife

    5. Electric terminals set
    [​IMG]
    Tape works but these are a better bet and for $3.99 a pack you can't go wrong

    6. I got these at RadioShack and they're only useful if you use inline fuses instead of a fusebox.
    [​IMG]
    They're called fuse taps http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2102780

    Now lets begin the install
    Decide where you're going to put the socket now so that you know if you're going to need more wire or not. I put mine inside the compartment for the "power chain" which I never use due to how weak it is. Also make sure your charger's wire doesn't interfere with anything when your phone or GPS is charging.

    [​IMG]
    These are my fuses. Replaced the fusebox myself in under half an hour. one of the fuses had already been replaced with an inline fuse holder so replacing the other three was easier and cheaper than a new blade fusebox.

    [​IMG]
    This is how my fuses are installed. Male spade connectors on the fuse holder and female on the bike's wires. Then I wrap in electrical tape to prevent them from touching.

    [​IMG]
    When/if you get the fuse taps then this will make sense

    This new thicker fuse will have to fit into a fuse holder and therefore your fuse holder port will have to be stretched.

    [​IMG]
    The fuse tap goes into the 'hot' side of the fuse holder and serves as sort of a male spade connector. So what I did was put a female spade connector onto the positive wire and just plug it onto the fuse tap.

    [​IMG]
    Next we put the power point where we want it
    [​IMG]
    and route the wire along the frame back to the fuse

    [​IMG]
    Now we ground her out. Here I used the ground for the TCI. If you choose a different spot you'll either have to make a new ground or find an existing one.

    Everything we've done up to this point is easily reversible. Turn on your main switch and test the socket. I did not take a picture but my charger has a light on it so I plugged it in and checked for that. If there's no power then recheck all your connections and try again. If everything works proceed

    [​IMG]
    Zip tie your wires to the frame and make sure nothing moves too much and that nothing gets caught on the wires(i.e. clothing, body parts, or moving bike parts)

    Next just put the bike back together and enjoy the ability to charge that GPS or cell phone on the road or use your compressor to fill up a tire that's lost air.

    [​IMG]
    My phone sits in here and the charger's wire doesn't get in the way of anything so I'm good.
     
  2. darkfibre

    darkfibre Member

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    This is what is considered as 'previous owner' repairs.
    A proper repair would have a documented fuse box, with a labeled extra fuse for the new output.
     
  3. darkfibre

    darkfibre Member

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    I just realized my post was a bit negative.

    To correct that:

    To connect a power point/cigarette socket to your XJ:
    Connect a fused connection of your choice DIRECTLY to the battery.

    If your wiring is non standard, post pictures.
     
  4. Oldyoungster

    Oldyoungster Member

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    I forgot to mention that option. Putting a ring terminal and inline fuse on the positive lead and connecting it to the battery is both a lot easier and possibly safer. However my battery is constantly installed and uninstalled and I'm thinking of putting a gel battery under the seat hump when I turn her into a cafe.
     

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