08-20-2019, 04:34 PM | #1 |
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Are lighter sockets always on?
Hello everybody, after searching far and wide I've got a mix of answers.
I own a 2013 335xi Msport (Canadian version with only a single 12v socket by the cupholders ) I purchased a 12v socket from BMW and am going to install it under the passenger-side glovebox and run it to the fuse box in the trunk. I'm planning on using the large (ATC) "add-a-circuit" tap to fuse #162 which is one of three fuses for 12v sockets (162 is for the trunk socket). there are a few DIY out there that use the mini add-a-circuit, and use the HomeLink fuse #146, but that is only a 5amp fuse and I would like to be able to use up to 20amp to run a dashcam/charge a phone simultaneously. is this fuse an always-on type? or does it power off after some time? or does it depend on the ignition? Thanks! |
08-20-2019, 05:03 PM | #2 |
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I know homelink turns off after opening the door. I have to remember to hit the button to close the garage door before exiting
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08-20-2019, 05:25 PM | #3 |
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My console outlet goes on when I start the car, goes off a few minutes after I lock it. If I don't lock the car after exiting it stays on for quite some time but eventually shuts off.
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08-20-2019, 06:10 PM | #4 |
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So I decided to use a multimeter and sit inside the car while it was locked to see whether it was always-on or not, and I got some interesting results.
Fuse # 162 stayed on at 12.8V for the first 3 minutes. After that, it slowly began to lower its voltage for ~5 minutes until it hit 2V and then it REALLY slowed down. For the next 5 minutes it made it to 1.2V (but by that time I was getting hot so I decided to unlock the car and I watched the voltage jump back up to 12.8V. So I'm going to safely assume that it turns completely off after about 15 min and so I will be using the fuse for my accessories. Does anyone know why it trickles down to 0v rather than immediately cutting the power? |
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08-20-2019, 08:54 PM | #5 |
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Anything plugged into it while it wound down? My auxiliary LED DRLs run off that fuse, and they don't gradually fade, they shut off abruptly.
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08-20-2019, 09:35 PM | #6 |
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