Forum Discussion

John_S2's avatar
John_S2
Explorer
Dec 09, 2013

12V splitter for using more devices - any limit?

I am adding a portable sirius radio receiver to my class C for our next long trip and figure I will need more plug in capacity for 12V devices. I currently have two hot 12V cigarette plugs in my dash. I use them for my Garmin GPS and for charging my cell phone and ipad, etc... while driving.

Question: Is there any problem with getting a Y splitter plug from Radio Shack or other source to use for multiple devices while driving?

I do not want to overload my electrical system or cause any other problems but it would be nice to have extra capacity.

If I had two splitters and ended up with 4 12V outlets instead of my existing 2 for plugging my devices into would this be too much?

appreciate any feedback from folks who may have done this.

9 Replies

  • 1775's avatar
    1775
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    You have pretty much heard the answer so far. The fuse on the socket will determine how much you can plug in. If you were to plug in an air compressor tire pump and something else at the same time you would likely blow the fuse. Other than that you should not have any problem with small electronics.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    Artum Snowbird wrote:
    I would suggest you put in a 400 watt inverter somewhere in your coach, then run the chargers off 110 somewhere in the back of the coach. The charging circuit from running the engine will easily provide sufficient to charge your coach batteries and run the inverter too.
    Seems like an awful long way to get around the block. All the devices the OP is describing draw minimal current. Why are we going from 12V to 110V, dealing with the efficiencies(or deficiencies) of an inverter, to go out and buy chargers for all these devices wne they can just be plugged in?
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Dec 10, 2013
    We have a couple of 12 volt receptacles in our dash and have run splitters on both with no issues since the devices we're powering use so little current to begin with. The 12 volt receptacles are fuse protected and will blow should you happen to draw beyond it's rating which is doubtful with the devices you plan on powering.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2013
    A typical GPS such as a TomTom only pulls about a half an amp. a little less than that for a cell phone. So I guess the answer is about as many as you can fit, as you will run out of room to put them before hitting the 10 amp limit or an some plugs, the 25 amp limit.
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2013
    I run a "Y" off my toyota car power point when we travel to the Drs in Portland, never seem to have any problems doing so.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Dec 09, 2013
    There are in fact two problems using those splitters...

    One is total current,, Now that likely will NOT be a problem but the dash oulet is liekly good for 10 amps max,, Perhaps a bit more.. The splitter can "Split" around 5-7 safely, then the plug starts to melt on many of 'em.

    The second is the outlets.. They do not hold plugs well and can be a real pain in the operating system.

    Alas, no simple way around that.

    I do use some power distribution strips (need to workon one in fact) around here but they use a different connector that works much better.
  • BTPO1's avatar
    BTPO1
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2013
    2oldman wrote:
    If the total amperage of the devices does not exceed 10, you're fine.


    I would think that you would be OK as long as the total amperage of the devices did not exceed the circuit amperage. You would then have to check the circuit and see what it is fused for, it may be 10,15,20,25 you just need to check then do not exceed that rating. JMO
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Dec 09, 2013
    If the total amperage of the devices does not exceed 10, you're fine.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2013
    I would suggest you put in a 400 watt inverter somewhere in your coach, then run the chargers off 110 somewhere in the back of the coach. The charging circuit from running the engine will easily provide sufficient to charge your coach batteries and run the inverter too.

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