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Accessory Plug (cigarette lighter) wiring

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ryangraham View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ryangraham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Accessory Plug (cigarette lighter) wiring
    Posted: 13 May 2011 at 5:02pm
I just bought the Accessory Plug, Cap, and Socket for cigarette style adapters (one of these):
https://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=6503232
Started digging in and realized that the old broken one on my boat wasn't connected to anything anymore, and the wiring is long gone. So, I'm pretty sure I could run hot lines straight from the battery (that is only inches away) but the sensible (and correct) thing would be to run it thru the wiring system either utilizing the ignition switch terminals or running thru one of the breakers. I have an 86' MC 19' with a PCM 351. 

Any suggestions on where and how to tie this in? 

My ignition switch is the very basic 3 position type with just ON, OFF, and START. The switches and corresponding breakers on the dash don't have an "ACCESSORY" option. I have the following to choose from: BLOWER, PUMP (bilge), AUTO (float switch for bilge pump), NAV (light), and ANCHOR (light). Obviously I'm not looking to tie this into a switch, but I was wondering if I shouldn't tie it into one of the breakers that correspond to those switches. I'm not trying to over complicate things here, but I definitely want to keep things safe. I'll be using the plug for ipod charging and a water ballast pump regularly.
86' MC Stars & Stripes, 351 PCM
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67+91 Nautiques View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67+91 Nautiques Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 August 2011 at 5:08am
I put mine off the battery terminal on the ignition switch. 
This has the " ignition" breaker button in front of it so you have the protection of that breaker.
I then ran it to the main ground wire. 
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ryangraham View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ryangraham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 August 2011 at 3:43pm
Ended up doing the exact same thing myself. Thanks for posting. Since my ignition switch is only a 3 pole, I have to have the switch in the "ignition" or "run" position to use the Accessory Plug, but that's not really a big deal. Far more important to have the breaker in line. Especially since I'm using it for a water pump that gets fully submerged when I'm filling up water ballast. 
86' MC Stars & Stripes, 351 PCM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67+91 Nautiques Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 August 2011 at 8:49pm
I put the socket connection off the "B" terminal.   This is where the 12 volt power comes into the Key switch.

That way you do not have to turn the key switch to run to use the power socket. 

When the switch is on the run position it is putting current to the electric choke, the coil and the distributor.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ryangraham Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 August 2011 at 9:01pm
I pulled out my wiring diagram, and now I understand what you're saying. Another reason I put mine where I did is because I like to know that when the key is turned to the off position, I know that as many electrical draws on the battery are disconnected as possible. However, do you see any problem with my setup?
86' MC Stars & Stripes, 351 PCM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 67+91 Nautiques Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 August 2011 at 10:17pm
If you are using it before the engine has warmed up  then the current to the choke would cause that to open all the way. 

In my case I replaced the points with and electronic ignition and I don't think you are supposed to have that sitting there with current going to it and not running. 

In your case if you have points then you don't have those electronics to worry about. 

Maybe one of the pro's could weigh in on having power to the coil without the engine running. 

In my case I prefer to no have the key on unless it is running  because that will drain the battery.  It also will run the hour meter.  The person I bought the boat from had the stereo wired off the "I" terminal with the key in the run position.  This would run the hour meter.   I am sure that they ran up the hours while hanging out listening to the music.  But that is not your case. 

I don't worry about the Accessory plug being a drain as I plug something in, use it and unplug it.  Usually it is the inflator for tubes or the pump for fat sacks.



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