Electrical: Cigar Lighter Replacement

[bjackameit]

I have decided to replace the nonworking cigar lighter in my 1964 Challenger with a complete new aftermarket lighter assembly using the original type knob -- no problem there I have a nice chrome knob which fits the new lighter but the old unit has the rinky-dink hexagon fuse on the back of the recepticle for protection. I intend to use an in-line fuse with the new unit but need to know what size fuse to use. Also, is it correct that the lighter should be connected to the "bat" terminal on the ignition switch? As you can tell, I am not an electrical guy.

[N8N]

probably 15A would be appropriate and still allow the lighter to work, were you to use it for its intended function. Most plug in accessories have their own fuse in the plug assembly. Lighter is connected to unswitched power, either at the ignition switch or to the ammeter. You don't really want to hook it to switched power without a load reduction relay otherwise you run the risk of burning up the "ACC" contacts in your ignition switch if you have a high-current device (inverter, etc.) connected to the lighter socket.

nate

[bjackameit]

probably 15A would be appropriate and still allow the lighter to work, were you to use it for its intended function. Most plug in accessories have their own fuse in the plug assembly. Lighter is connected to unswitched power, either at the ignition switch or to the ammeter. You don't really want to hook it to switched power without a load reduction relay otherwise you run the risk of burning up the "ACC" contacts in your ignition switch if you have a high-current device (inverter, etc.) connected to the lighter socket.

nate

This is good information -- just confirming that the "bat" connection on the ignition switch is acceptable and that I can connect it there -- that the "bat" connection on the ignition switch is "unswitched power" Again -- I'm not an electrical guy. But I'm careful. THANKS!!