12v Socket Question

[Lionswings]

I am looking to add a 12v socket to my bike to use for charging my cell phone or to power a GPS someday(If I get one). Is it ok to run this straight to the battery instead of using a relay, block, etc...? I also have a Starcom1 ran straight to the battery. Is there any problems with doing this as long as everything is turned off when the bike isn't running?

 

[chivvalry]

I am looking to add a 12v socket to my bike to use for charging my cell phone or to power a GPS someday(If I get one). Is it ok to run this straight to the battery instead of using a relay, block, etc...? I also have a Starcom1 ran straight to the battery. Is there any problems with doing this as long as everything is turned off when the bike isn't running?

Just make sure you fuse it close to the battery. You don't HAVE to have a relay or fuse block... you can use an inline fuse.

 

[Lionswings]

I am looking to add a 12v socket to my bike to use for charging my cell phone or to power a GPS someday(If I get one). Is it ok to run this straight to the battery instead of using a relay, block, etc...? I also have a Starcom1 ran straight to the battery. Is there any problems with doing this as long as everything is turned off when the bike isn't running?

Just make sure you fuse it close to the battery. You don't HAVE to have a relay or fuse block... you can use an inline fuse.

Great, thanks for the quick response chivvalry! :clapping:

 

[johnny80s]

If your starcom is run to the battery then it always is drawing power.

 

[HaulinAshe]

If your starcom is run to the battery then it always is drawing power.

Not exactly. It is always drawing SOME power, but it's a tiny amount. Starcom actually powers up the unit when the rider headset is connected. When it's disconnected, the unit powers down.

 

[FJR1300Mark]

I have a powerlet outlet that is direct to the battery. It does have fuse in line. I used to use it with my gps. I also use it when I want to charge the battery. I plug my battery tender into the outlet and it is connected and charging.

Just don't leave a heavy drain plugged into it after you have stopped the engine.

 

[HaulinAshe]

I like to use a fusible link, purchased at local auto stores, at the battery connection itself. Typically I purchase a 16 ga. fusible link and then use a 12 ga. red wire.

Close to the Powerlet socket (load end), I place a mini-ATM fuse holder with a 15-amp fuse.

That system gives me a replaceable fast-blow fuse for regular problems, and a suicide fusible link in case the bike goes down and manages to short the wiring itself.

 

[johnny80s]

If your starcom is run to the battery then it always is drawing power.

Not exactly. It is always drawing SOME power, but it's a tiny amount. Starcom actually powers up the unit when the rider headset is connected. When it's disconnected, the unit powers down.

Good to know.

 

[chivvalry]

If your starcom is run to the battery then it always is drawing power.

Not exactly. It is always drawing SOME power, but it's a tiny amount. Starcom actually powers up the unit when the rider headset is connected. When it's disconnected, the unit powers down.

Is it really drawing power even when off? I thought that disconnecting the headset acted like an off switch completely. If its drawing any power at all then I will to pull the fuse this winter because mine is wired (along with my powerlet) direct to the battery (thru a barrier strip).

 

[FJRGuy]

If your starcom is run to the battery then it always is drawing power.

Not exactly. It is always drawing SOME power, but it's a tiny amount. Starcom actually powers up the unit when the rider headset is connected. When it's disconnected, the unit powers down.

Is it really drawing power even when off? I thought that disconnecting the headset acted like an off switch completely. If its drawing any power at all then I will to pull the fuse this winter because mine is wired (along with my powerlet) direct to the battery (thru a barrier strip).

The AutoCom claims to be switched by plugging in the Headset but I suspect there is still a tiny draw without it. It shouldn't be enough to effect the battery under normal use but I'm running it through a switched fuse on my fuzeblock anyway. Just keeps the wiring cleaner!

 

[Lionswings]

I found this while searching today. Thought I'd share. Clicky Also Clicky 2

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Frankly I would not advise running anything straight off the battery....too risky...opportunity for Murphs Law.

Doesn't take long to drop a relay under the cowling onto the headlight and to battery and run a power strip...Much safer that way.

Too easy to leave gps on, phone charging for extended periods, and that would not be pretty out on an extended ride.

 

[chivvalry]

Frankly I would not advise running anything straight off the battery....too risky...opportunity for Murphs Law.Doesn't take long to drop a relay under the cowling onto the headlight and to battery and run a power strip...Much safer that way.

Too easy to leave gps on, phone charging for extended periods, and that would not be pretty out on an extended ride.

meh... plan on using the powerlet as a battery tender port as well. Besides, all my electronics end up in my tank bag and toted along with me or locked in the bags when I stop for any length of time.

Don't get me wrong... a relay is definitely safer. Just don't think that it's a huge deal.