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Powering Radar Detector

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by jef, Apr 2, 2011.

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  1. jef

    jef Rookie

    Sep 1, 2004
    47
    #1 jef, Apr 2, 2011
    The Owners Manual for the 612 OTO states that the cigarette lighter receptacle should not be used as a power outlet. In all my other cars, I plugged the power cord for the Valentine 1 radar detector into this socket. Is there a hazard in doing so for the 612 and, if so, how have you solved this problem? Thank you.
     
  2. F1.360.LOVER

    F1.360.LOVER Formula Junior

    Dec 12, 2009
    476
    Central Florida
    Full Name:
    Nate
    #2 F1.360.LOVER, Apr 2, 2011
    The owners manual for my 360 says the same thing. I have not tried to use it as a power outlet yet for radar, cell phone or GPS. I do know that there can be wiring damage when using a cigarette lighter adapter for battery tenders.
     
  3. FerrariDublin

    FerrariDublin F1 Rookie

    Jun 14, 2009
    3,457
    Dublin, Ireland
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    Greg
    #3 FerrariDublin, Apr 2, 2011
    I'd say that's just to cover themselves in terms of someone plugging in a heavy load. Radar detector should be perfectly fine.
     
  4. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
    Moderator Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Mar 18, 2008
    32,331
    Seattle Area
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    Dave
    #4 Jedi, Apr 2, 2011
    Totally agree. A cigarette lighter is a HUGE load (5-10 AMP minimum). A radar
    detector, GPS, cell charger, etc. is a TINY load - 100 mA (thousandths of an amp) or so.

    As FerrariDublin says, they're just covering their butts in case someone decides to
    plug their electric welding rig in and ooops! the car catches fire :)

    Jedi
     
  5. FerrariDublin

    FerrariDublin F1 Rookie

    Jun 14, 2009
    3,457
    Dublin, Ireland
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    Greg
    #5 FerrariDublin, Apr 2, 2011
    Electric welding rig! That's a cracker! I was trying to think of a suitable high-load example and came up a blank.

    Still chucking here as I type. Nice one!
     
  6. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    Mar 10, 2011
    1,683
    Palo Alto,CA,USA
    Full Name:
    Walt Kimball
    #6 Redneck Slim, Apr 8, 2011
    If you want a clean and easy way to hardwire a detector,go to invisicord.com.
     
  7. saw1998

    saw1998 F1 Veteran

    Jun 8, 2008
    8,237
    San Antonio, Texas
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    Scott
    #7 saw1998, Apr 8, 2011
    +1.
     
  8. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,120
    Savannah
    #8 thecarreaper, Apr 8, 2011
    I go to the HELP section of the autoparts store and buy the 12v power socket and wire harness for $5.00 and wire it into one fused leg of the fusebox. worked on all my euro cars. Great for radar detectors, phones, ect.
     

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