power oulet

[bjt]

The switched and unswitched accessory circuits cannot handle 15 amps! They are only 20 gauge wire. The maximum amperage at 12 volts that this wire will handle, running alone, in 70 degree air, is 11 amps. Running in a bundle, in the heat under the Tupperware of a Spyder, or for any distance beyond three feet total (power + ground), will reduce the ampacity. The greater the current draw, the more the voltage will drop, also. I think you could sneak by with more than the standard 3 amp rating for this wire size, but I certainly wouldn't count on anything over 5 being reliable, and a substantial draw could be unsafe...and cause a fire. JMHO.
-Scotty

I agree with Scotty on this one. You may be able to run 15 amps on that circuit for a while but you are asking for trouble if you continually push it over what the wires and connectors are rated for.

 

[irish2themax]

I hadn't considered the wiring and wasn't aware it was only 12 gauge. Thanks everyone for the inputs

 

[NancysToy]

I hadn't considered the wiring and wasn't aware it was only 12 gauge. Thanks everyone for the inputs

Not 12 gauge...20 gauge! Tiny stuff.
Scotty

 

[bjt]

I hadn't considered the wiring and wasn't aware it was only 12 gauge. Thanks everyone for the inputs

Not 12 guage...20 guage! Tiny stuff.
Scotty

Yep, 12ga wire could definitely handle 15 amps.

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

The switched accessory wiring is hot only when the ignition is on (and for 20-30 seconds afterward). This is the circuit that normally feeds your trunk outlet. The unswitched accessory wires are hot all the time. Anything drawing a load on this, which isn't turned off or removed every time you shut off the Spyder, can run your battery down.


The switched and unswitched accessory circuits cannot handle 15 amps! They are only 20 gauge wire. The maximum amperage at 12 volts that this wire will handle, running alone, in 70 degree air, is 11 amps. Running in a bundle, in the heat under the Tupperware of a Spyder, or for any distance beyond three feet total (power + ground), will reduce the ampacity. The greater the current draw, the more the voltage will drop, also. I think you could sneak by with more than the standard 3 amp rating for this wire size, but I certainly wouldn't count on anything over 5 being reliable, and a substantial draw could be unsafe...and cause a fire. JMHO.
-Scotty

HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT!:thumbup:

 

[czdaryle]

woooo..didn't realize it is not a cigarete size adaptor and that you have to buy another piece. Is powerlet the only one that sells the adaptor. I already have the outlet and would like to get it locally so I can start using it. Thanks

 

[bjt]

As far as I know, powerlet is the only place to buy those parts. However, there is the possibility that you have a shop that is a powerlet dealer / distributor near you. You might be able to find that info on their website or by calling them. :dontknow:

 

[czdaryle]

As far as I know, powerlet is the only place to buy those parts. However, there is the possibility that you have a shop that is a powerlet dealer / distributor near you. You might be able to find that info on their website or by calling them. :dontknow:

Yea thanks BJT..I did the dealer locater and found a dealer about 20 miles away so I'll head out tommorow. First motorcycle so didn't know these weren't the standard power outlets..easy install though..thanks for the idea, alot better than the trunk!!

 

[bjt]

Yea thanks BJT..I did the dealer locater and found a dealer about 20 miles away so I'll head out tommorow. First motorcycle so didn't know these weren't the standard power outlets..easy install though..thanks for the idea, alot better than the trunk!!

Call first. Our closest local powerlet dealer had one outlet that looked like it had been on a back shelf in the warehouse for 5 years. The person who brought it out for me didn't even know they had any powerlet products and that was the only thing they had. Unfortunately, it wasn't the part I needed.

 

[czdaryle]

Call first. Our closest local powerlet dealer had one outlet that looked like it had been on a back shelf in the warehouse for 5 years. The person who brought it out for me didn't even know they had any powerlet products and that was the only thing they had. Unfortunately, it wasn't the part I needed.

I did call first and they said they had it in stock...so I drive there was about 30 minutes and of course it wasn't the right part. I told him I want the cigarette adaptor, even gave him the part nos. I gave me the end that has the attachment that goes into the tank bag or a battery tendor. Then he started saying.."yea this is what you want". It was an real old guy and he was nice so I didn't make a big deal about it and even order the part from him to give him some business. Oh well it was a nice ride

 

[bjt]

 

[Trickie Dick]

I did the same things a month or so ago I ordered a powerlet on line and found out it wasnt what I wanted. Fortunately I was able to exchange it for the cigar outlet.
The vendor said this happens alot. I would just get a cigar outlet and replace the bmw outlet that you have now and bite the bullet if you can't exchange it. I think I paid $15 for mine.

 

[bjt]

A reported advantage of the BMW style outlet over a cigarette lighter outlet is that the BMW style is less prone to vibrations causing it to work itself out, cutting power while in use. I'm not sure how true that is but I can say that my BMW style Powerlet has never worked its way loose while riding. Another advantage, IMO, is that the plugs are smaller. With a 90° plug, they have a very low profile.

 

[czdaryle]

I did the same things a month or so ago I ordered a powerlet on line and found out it wasnt what I wanted. Fortunately I was able to exchange it for the cigar outlet.
The vendor said this happens alot. I would just get a cigar outlet and replace the bmw outlet that you have now and bite the bullet if you can't exchange it. I think I paid $15 for mine.

Didn't think the full size cigar would fit on dash? is that were you put it? Maybe get one of those for the other side and have one of each:clap:

 

[ataDude]

Didn't think the full size cigar would fit on dash? is that were you put it? Maybe get one of those for the other side and have one of each:clap:

Full size here:

 

[Trickie Dick]

Full size here:

I have one on each side of the dash just like atadud's. Plenty of room. 1/4 inch on top with the cap and about 2 inches underneath. Mine are "marine style" so they are built for boats etc. Waterproof and no problems with the plugs working loose so far.

 

[carbolic]

Will the "standard" Powerlet receptacle work for a top-side (instrument panel) application?

"Our most popular socket with spring-loaded hinged lid. Two 1/4" spade connectors, make wiring easy. 18mm brass jam nut. Rated at 15 amps, snap-fit and vibration proof. Requires .6875" (11/16") hole and 2.00" behind the panel. Lid measures 1.075" in diam."

 

[Trickie Dick]

Will the "standard" Powerlet receptacle work for a top-side (instrument panel) application?

"Our most popular socket with spring-loaded hinged lid. Two 1/4" spade connectors, make wiring easy. 18mm brass jam nut. Rated at 15 amps, snap-fit and vibration proof. Requires .6875" (11/16") hole and 2.00" behind the panel. Lid measures 1.075" in diam."

The picture looks like a bmw style outlet. I ordered those and they are smaller and don't accept the "cigar" lighter size plugs. They are too small and you must use and adapter. Order the ones that accept the cigar size plugs. I got mine on amazon.com from a marine supply company but you can find them lots of places.
Dick

 

[NancysToy]

Will the "standard" Powerlet receptacle work for a top-side (instrument panel) application?

"Our most popular socket with spring-loaded hinged lid. Two 1/4" spade connectors, make wiring easy. 18mm brass jam nut. Rated at 15 amps, snap-fit and vibration proof. Requires .6875" (11/16") hole and 2.00" behind the panel. Lid measures 1.075" in diam."

Yes, if you want these smaller BMW-style outlets, they work fine in either the standard or the 90 degree. I have two standard in Nancy's dash, and BJT has two 90s.
-Scotty

 

[carbolic]

According to the Powerlet web site, the smaller one pictured can accept "everything from heated clothing to cell phone plugs. Is it that there is a required adapter plug?