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Converting a Cigarette Lighter plug to 12v

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by jadoiron, Feb 24, 2016.

  1. Feb 24, 2016 at 5:23 AM
    #1
    jadoiron

    jadoiron [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have a set of flashing emergency strobe LEDs. They're powered via the cigarette lighter with an on/off switch right by the plug itself.

    Is it possible to cut off the plug/switch and wire the lights to another switch that is powered from the battery (or another 12v source in the vehicle)??
     
  2. Feb 24, 2016 at 5:27 AM
    #2
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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  3. Feb 24, 2016 at 5:37 AM
    #3
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    I'd use an add-a-fuse in the panel near drivers left knee. Run power from the fuse to an on/off switch you can install in the switch bank there, then run the cable up the driver side windshield pillar and hardwire the light kit. Use male/female connectors close as possible to the lightbar so if you want to remove it for any reason, you don't need to un-run the wires. Just unplug and remove. (I used to live in K-town btw. Nice truck. Island Pride)
     
  4. Feb 24, 2016 at 5:40 AM
    #4
    jadoiron

    jadoiron [OP] Well-Known Member

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    NICE. So it is as easy as snipping the existing switch off. THANKS. Ahhh K-town - the "up west" of Charlottetown.
     
  5. Feb 24, 2016 at 5:44 AM
    #5
    neverstuck

    neverstuck Well-Known Member

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    http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01...m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_r=1JGJYBEJQKR8QX7XX3N9

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    jadoiron[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  6. Feb 24, 2016 at 8:22 AM
    #6
    HawkShot99

    HawkShot99 Well-Known Member

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    The only thing to be careful of is making sure the light can handle a full 12v. I am guessing you will be fine here but there is a chance.
    Years ago my dad had a XM reciever in his truck. He decided to cut off the cigarette plug on the end and hard wire it in. Unfortunetly for him, the cigarette pkug also downgraded the amount of power (sorry I don't know the true term for this) to something much lower. When he started up the truck, the XM reciever was hit with way to much power and fried its electronics. He had to go buy a new reciever.
     
  7. Feb 25, 2016 at 7:08 AM
    #7
    jadoiron

    jadoiron [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Good to know... maybe I'll hold off then. This is the LAST think I want happening.
     
  8. Feb 25, 2016 at 10:06 AM
    #8
    HawkShot99

    HawkShot99 Well-Known Member

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    Just read the required voltage. It should say on the plug or the light somewhere. At a younger age I just assumed evrrything into the cigarette lighter was the same. Just giving you a heads up before you cut the end off the plug.
     
  9. Feb 25, 2016 at 10:41 AM
    #9
    jadoiron

    jadoiron [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just checked - 12v DC!
     

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