How to wire cig socket so power is there always

[dcarlson]

meaning, when the ignition is off. I want to use it for a battery maintainer but it needs to be wired to a constant hot. Prefer not to go to battery directly.
Dave
'86 Cab

[crustychief]

The center wire on the back of the lighter socket is +12V, just disconnect that one and wrap it ( safe it off) then run a wire and a fuse from the socket to the +12V of the battery. I assume you meant you did not want to hook the maintainer up directly to the battery.

[Bob Kontak]

Isn't the radio always hot? If not the glove box light is always hot.

Find the amp draw on the cig lighter circuit before tapping in where you maybe should not.

Edit - looking at the SC diagrams in the tech info center I would tap into the red wires from the battery at the ignition switch and fuse the wire.

[Joe Bob]

It's a LOT safer to put a pig tail on the battery with an inline fuse.....just sayin'.....

[Bob Kontak]

Agree. I defer to the jumping banana and crustychief.

[rusnak]

Or just get a smart battery charger with a float charge setting, why screw up the lighter socket?

[hcoles]

Originally Posted by rusnak

or just get a smart battery charger with a float charge setting, why screw up the lighter socket?

+1

[JFairman]

I also wanted the cig lighter hot all the time for the same reason as you.

I moved the lighter wire on the fuse panel over to one of the fuses thats hot all the time. There is fuse and relay list that fits on the fuse panel cover. I went by that to find the lighter fuse and wire.

Worked perfect.

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Or just get a smart battery charger with a float charge setting, why screw up the lighter socket?

I think this is a better idea. The Ctek charger even comes with a quick connect clip that you can leave permanently mounted to your battery.

Plus, your cig lighter will be in the oddball euro size, so anything you plug in there will fit loosely or at least unreliably.

[dcarlson]

Am using a CTEK and one of the hook-up options is the cig lighter so thought I'd try it that way.. thanks all for tips - I'll have to check out fuse panel JF. Already stripped a battery terminal bolt just loosening to remove cables...love the wrench room on those BTW ... this little project better not be heading the way of some of my other litte projects..

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by JFairman

I also wanted the cig lighter hot all the time for the same reason as you.

I moved the lighter wire on the fuse panel over to one of the fuses thats hot all the time. There is fuse and relay list that fits on the fuse panel cover. I went by that to find the lighter fuse and wire.

Worked perfect.

+1 That would be the way I would install an "always live" cig. lighter. Always protect a load circuit with a fuse, preferably from the existing fuse box for ease of access and future replacement (inline fuse locations aren't obvious).

To maintain battery charge, I'd suggest permanently connecting a maintainer directly to the battery.

Another advantage of a live cig. lighter, especially on late model, ECU-equipped vehicles is to maintain minimal voltage to the electronics via a 9-volt battery cig. lighter adapter. if the main storage battery dies or is disconnected, the 9V battery adapter will maintain all preset settings.

Sherwood

[mystro]

Yes,....You are over thinking the problem. I use a battery tender jr all the time. I wired the pigtail directly to the battery. I then snaked the wire around the front of the trunk. It hides well and is easily accessible when needed. I have used the "Battery Tender Jr" for over 12 years and they are still going strong. I have 9 of them on my variouse toys.

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

It's a LOT safer to put a pig tail on the battery with an inline fuse.....just sayin'.....

[dcarlson]

Mystro - do you close the trunk lid on the wire? I do and I really am not keen on as it may leave a bad impression on the weatherstripping, but I can't leave trunk open in the barn so I'd rather crack the window a bit to allow wires to the cig. socket....Am not too worried about gas collecting in trunk as I can open it once in a while..

[mystro]

No, I dont close the trunk. Just lower the hood until the latch catches. Your hood will naturally be open about 1". I even made a cloth sock about 3' long around the cord so the cord is soft coming out of the trunk over the bumper. It works great.

Originally Posted by dcarlson

Mystro - do you close the trunk lid on the wire? I do and I really am not keen on as it may leave a bad impression on the weatherstripping, but I can't leave trunk open in the barn so I'd rather crack the window a bit to allow wires to the cig. socket....Am not too worried about gas collecting in trunk as I can open it once in a while..

[Joe Bob]

My Battery Tender Plus came with a fused pig tail. Any electrical charging device left unattended needs to have the least amount of wiring to potentially futz up IMHO.

Going thru the cig is a potential hazard.

[nineball]

if you are dead-set on doing it this way then spend $3 and stop worrying about it.

Cigarette Lighter Socket 265-570

[www.porshaw.com]

I have an extra Battery Tender junior. PM me for details.