Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-10-2009, 05:03 AM   #1
Ensign
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Default Lighter outlet blowing fuses

Hello all. I have a new-to-me 97 1900 open bow. I tried to plug in a power supply for my handheld gps. No luck. Tried to plug in a charger for my cell, no luck. I started looking yesterday and came to the conclusion that there is power there, but the lighter outlet has blown fuses on both those chargers.

Help me out here. Let me say that I am not very electrically handy so step-by-step would be great. I will say that my voltmeter says 12 volts when I checked the outlet.

Thanks in advance.
__________________

tarkio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-04-2009, 01:18 PM   #2
Moderator

 
shrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,588
Default Re: Lighter outlet blowing fuses

If the fuse is blowing, then this isn't a voltage issue, it's an amperage issue. While the devices you're using are all 12V, they are pulling more amps than the fuse you're using can support. A 12 volt device that pulls 10amps is going to blow 5 amp fuses all day long.

The device is going to draw the amperage it needs. The fuse is set to burn out when the amperage draw exceeds the melt point of the filament inside the fuse. The idea is to protect the device from a surge in amperage and sacrifice the fuse before doing damage to the device.

I would verify the amperage requirements of the device(s) you intend on using with the outlet and then make sure the fuse in that slot will support the amperage requirements of the device. Admittedly I'm not an electrician and barely understand enough to be very dangerous. As with all forum replies, take them with a grain of salt and consider seeking out a qualified marine electrician who understand 12v marine electrical systems if you're still in doubt.

I recommend reviewing the ABYC site for a list of local ABYC Certified Marine electricians:

http://www.abycinc.org/
__________________

shrew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2009, 02:59 AM   #3
Ensign
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Default Re: Lighter outlet blowing fuses

I would check the polarity of the lighter. The centre should be positive. If it is reversed this can blow fuses in electronic equipment.
tzshane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2009, 03:20 AM   #4
Admiral

 
seapuppy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Everett Wa
Posts: 4,681
Default Re: Lighter outlet blowing fuses

TZ.....welcome to the zoo


SP :hello:
__________________
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
------------------------
SSN683 Association member
Par Excellence
------------------------------
2008 Bayliner 340 - "Wild Whim"
--------------------------------------
I live in my own little world....but it's okay-they know me here!!!

Avid practitioner of the martial art: KLIK-PAO.
Tap-Rack-Bang

Anyone that sez "Size doesn't matter" has never owned a boat!
seapuppy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hull anode neversummer Maxum Owners General Discussions 1 04-20-2009 10:32 PM
Took on some water today. wakerider03 Electronics 4 07-28-2008 08:04 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT. The time now is 05:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.