3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Adding a Second Car Power Jack

Adding a Second Car Power Jack
You know when you have all of that crap in your car, and each needs a power jack of it's own? Well, even if you don't, I do. While splitters are available, they have a limited current (whatever the jack can provide). So if you need to run high-power devices like small-medium inverters, or things like mini-refrigerators, they don't play so well with other devices on a splitter. Using only a little wiring and cheaply available vehicle power-plugs (and of course some soldering skill), we can create another power jack.
WARNING: Modifying certain things may be against the law in your area. I really don't think this has any legal issues (even in up-tight Massachusetts), so you should be good.
Also, please note that access to wiring in your vehicle may not be as easy as mine. I drive a Dodge Neon, so all you have to do is reach under the dash, and wallah! Wires a-plentiful. Nicer vehicles, like Mercedes-Benz's or BMW's might actually do a good job preventing you from touching the interior wiring. You should have a pretty good understanding of vehicle wiring before attempting this Instructable, but I will cover the basics.
IMPORTAINT: You will be modifing your vehicles wiring. MAKE DAMN SURE  you know what you are getting in to. Your vehicle may have extra wires like mine did, so this won't be a big issue, but it may not, in which case you will have to do a little more work.

 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up
 

Step 1Gathering Materials

Gathering Materials
Okay, here we go. First, acquire some thick wire (12 gauge would be good). Great wire for this would be an old two-conductor extension cord. I had some black-and-red 14 gauge wire lying around, so I used that. You will also need a vehicle socket replication. I found mine on some GameBoy accessory, of which I had to remove the 20 gauge wire. I also like the All Electronics Corp. who have some great parts at good prices (allelectronics.com). The only thing I was able to find there was one with sockets on both ends of a wire (so you could have two!) at www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/CLP-94/20-CORD-W/-CIG-LIGHTER-SOCKETS-BOTH-ENDS/1.html for $5.70 at the time of writing. Depending on what you chose to do, you will also either need wire nuts or crimp connectors or solder/heat shrink tubing. You will also, of course, need your trusty soldering iron and any screw drivers that your car may require. Usually, a Phillps-head is good enough, but Torx are also very popular in vehicles.
« Previous StepDownload PDFView All StepsNext Step »

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!
2
Followers
2
Author:bulletride37(Fail Board)
Whats up everybody? I'm a crazy rebellious metal-head that enjoys a good conspiracy theory. I despise the state I live in (MA), with their ridiculous, California-esque gun laws, and outrageous taxes. ...
more »