Charging battery via cigarette lighter socket
Discussion
Have had my first TVR for 2 months now (Chimaera 500)
Still getting used to the amazing performance.
I would like to know how to wire a trickle-charger to a cigarette lighter socket as she will be used only occassionaly in winter:- I assume the car is negatively earthed. Does the centre pin on the lighter socket go to +ve, and the casing of the connector to -ve?
If anybody can advise me then Thanks.
Still getting used to the amazing performance. I would like to know how to wire a trickle-charger to a cigarette lighter socket as she will be used only occassionaly in winter:- I assume the car is negatively earthed. Does the centre pin on the lighter socket go to +ve, and the casing of the connector to -ve?
If anybody can advise me then Thanks.
The car does have a negative earth and the centre of the lighter socket should be at +12V permanently, BUT it's worth checking it with a meter! There have been a few reports in the past about cars that do not have a permanent +12V to the socket.
The Accumate charger does work very well if the socket is wired 'normally', as above.
The Accumate charger does work very well if the socket is wired 'normally', as above.
Wanted to use a trickle charger connected via ciggy lighter, but had a loose connetion, attempted to sort out but not able to, (non smoker either so not high priority).
Also Car garaged and the drivers door is away from the wall for the power connection, garage used for access so did not want cables draped over the walkway, or over the Chim's paint work.
Went to Halford's and got their maintenance charger for £20, small unit came with fly leads with push connectors (to ensure correct polarity) & lead with croc clips for direct to battery terminals if required. Connected fly lead permanently to battery and push it behind carpet when not connected to charger.
No more flat battery or messing about in the footwell.
Also Car garaged and the drivers door is away from the wall for the power connection, garage used for access so did not want cables draped over the walkway, or over the Chim's paint work.
Went to Halford's and got their maintenance charger for £20, small unit came with fly leads with push connectors (to ensure correct polarity) & lead with croc clips for direct to battery terminals if required. Connected fly lead permanently to battery and push it behind carpet when not connected to charger.
No more flat battery or messing about in the footwell.
Cheap trickle chargers are NOT the same as an Accumate.
The Accumate constantly monitors the battery and keeps it in the right condition.
A basic charger just does that and I don't think is designed for permanent use.
You can get extension leads for the Accumate to plug into the lighter socket or have the battery wired in to a connector. Mine is kept under a car port and is plugged in from October to March. I have them on the Tiv, the bike and even the mower.
The Accumate constantly monitors the battery and keeps it in the right condition.
A basic charger just does that and I don't think is designed for permanent use.
You can get extension leads for the Accumate to plug into the lighter socket or have the battery wired in to a connector. Mine is kept under a car port and is plugged in from October to March. I have them on the Tiv, the bike and even the mower.
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