adding a small 12v device

[monte]

Id like to install a navtex PC link below my electrical panel. It uses minimal amps( 48 mA). It has an in line fuse.
NAVTEX/WEATHER: NASA Marine Instruments
My question is where to connect the power supply (its a lagoon 380 cat)
Id like to find somwhere suitable at the back of the panel if possible. What is the best way to connect it? theres a 12v cigarette lighter type socket there. Could I connect into that? I think there is also a couple of unused switches as well.
hanks for any info
Monte

[djmarchand]

Connect it to the cigarette lighter power. Use 14 gauge wire as the cigarette lighter is probably protected with a 15 amp fuse and 14 gauge will work with this. Then a small fuse (1-3) amps just before the device wire pigtail.

David

[onestepcsy37]

i've got a navtex. furuno. keep it on 24/7 - uses minimal power, so almost any wiring should be suitable, but cigarette lighter plug seems inappropriate for a device you will have on 24/7. i think mine called for 16 guage so i naturally used 14 guage.

here's another free bit of advice. put smallest fuse possible (in keeping with amp draw) on BOTH positive and negative sides.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

i've got a navtex. furuno. keep it on 24/7 - uses minimal power, so almost any wiring should be suitable, but cigarette lighter plug seems inappropriate for a device you will have on 24/7. i think mine called for 16 guage so i naturally used 14 guage.

here's another free bit of advice. put smallest fuse possible (in keeping with amp draw) on BOTH positive and negative sides.

Why use 14 gauge wire for a device drawing milliamperes. The OP could wire into the back of the cigarette socket and say put a 1amp fuse inline close to the socket ( not the device)

As to fusing both wires why???, just all fuses close to the source of their power.

A better idea would be to wire to a dedicated breaker on the panel and use a low current breaker. I personally don't allow inline fuses on my boat.

Dave