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MG TD TF 1500 - Installing Cig. Lighter Plug on TD

A search didn't turn up any results for me.
I'd like to install a cigarette lighter plug on my TD so as to have a place to plug in a phone or GPS.
How must this be done using an inspection socket plug like Abingdon Spares part no. 39-012a? (photo below)
Are there polarity issues?
Thanks.

BobbyG


Bobby Galvez

I just searched for "cigarette plug" and came up with a bunch of posts. (Click 'Archive' button, not the 'Search' button)
efh Haskell

Bobby - I would encourage you to NOT try using the plug for the inspection sockets on the dash. First it is too easy to reverse the polarity as there is no keying of any kind on the inspections sockets. Secondly, the plug is marginal at best in that the pins are just brass with a slot cut in them so they will spread out a bit. The problem is that they just close up when in use, causing the loss of power.

My suggestion is to mount your auxiliary power socket under the dash and wire it into the power and ground as a permanent installation. You can then run wires from your GPS or cell phone power cable so it can be plugged into the socket. That way, you don't have to worry about polarity every time you connect it. I am attaching pictures of the aux power socket I got and the installation under the dash. Cheers - Dave

D W DuBois

Second picture

D W DuBois

Bobby, believe Dave. Do not use the inspection sockets unless you like the smell of burned electronics. Yes, polarity is critical. Everything that you would plug into a cigarette lighter socket expects it to be wired in a negative ground configuration. The pin in the middle must be +12 volts relative to the outer ring. It thinks of the outer ring as being ground. Bud
Bud Krueger

I am almost finished making a cigarette lighter socket holder for my TF.

I bought most of the parts from an ebay seller. He has a big selection of sockets and components. Responded to my questions almost immediately and shipped promptly. I am happy with the parts had with the seller.

Here is the seller's "store"
http://stores.ebay.com/The-12vtechnology-Store?

I bought two of these sockets #120679837530:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/120679837530?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D120679837530%26_rdc%3D1

Two of these right angled boots #110791911918:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110791911918?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D110791911918%26_rdc%3D1

And two of these waterproof washers #301066433426 (don't know if I really needed them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301066433426?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D301066433426%26_rdc%3D1

The seller also has the single socket with mounting plate that Dave showed. Also a double socket with mounting plate.

I bought a panel mount fuse holder for $1.00, a boot for it for $0.60, and a scrap aluminium plate that is the exact size that I needed for $0.75 at a local electronic surplus store.

I know that the space and supports below your TD dash are different from my TF. I will attach my plate to the two supports under the dash that held the fiberboard baffle - long since gone. The supports are already drilled, so no new holes required. Power from the coil side of the ign switch through a four terminal screw-in connector so no MG wires will need to be cut either.

The mounting plate and sockets will be practically invisable. Cell phone adapters will insert from the floor up, with the cords hanging down.

Lonnie
TF7211

The mounting plate and sockets. Soon to be painted black.

LM Cook

Lonnie, just a suggestion - If you want to install electrical things that will only be powered when the ignition switch is turned ON I'd suggest that you install a relay that is controlled by the ignition line. That will avoid drawing extra current through the ignition switch contacts. Bud
Bud Krueger

Good idea, Bud

I'm buy one tomorrow. Should be able to mount it on the plate in a spot that will not touch wires or switches under the dash.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

I did this. I used a marine plastic receptacle and kept my car positive ground. I took the input from the inspection socket grub terminals, and since it is a power receptacle, and not a cigar lighter, the current demands are negligible.

Modern items that I charge, while polarity sensitive, have cases isolated from polarity. No problems to date.

My installation is in my website under ongoing maintenance.

Warmly,
Dave
Dave Braun

This thread was discussed between 20/09/2014 and 21/09/2014

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