Hi,

I'm going to just basically wire up a 12v cigarette socket to my battery with an inline fuse.
But I am concerned that it will drain the battery even when the GPS isn't plugged in, since on the 12v socket there is an LED light, which I will remain on since it'll be connected straight to the battery.

Is this correct?
How have others done it?

Cheers!

 

I have a cig-socket wired to my battery w/fuse, but no LED on there... I'd imagine it could drain your battery, but the draw on LED's is SOOOO low, that I doubt it would unless you let it sit for a VERY long time, at which, it should be on a tender anyway.

 

Tap into a wire that is only active when the key is turned on the bike. That will prevent any unnecessary draw when the bike is off.

 

Thanks for the replies.

Any advice on how I 'tap' into the headlight wire? So it's only on when the bike is. I found this wiring diagram: ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

But still unsure. Thanks.

 

since the lighter socket has an LED, you can use it as an indicator of power. ground the lighter, turn your fuse box over and touch the other end to the fuse feeds to find the circuit that operates the way you're looking for.

for instance, tap off the feed to the headlight fuse:


if you're not going to pull much juice, you can just tap off the same circuit. to power anything substantial you'll need to drive a relay and wire another circuit.

 

Thanks for that much appreciated. I'm going to be running a car GPS, do you think this will be safe?

Cheers.

 

you will be fine running it especially if you put an inline fuse. The fuses will pop before you do any damage. also if you really are paranoid about the LED just take apart the lighter which your going to have to do anyway to hardwire it and and cut off the LED thus eliminating the draw. As for "taping" in, any electronics store sells "t connectors" which splice into the wire when you crimp them. They are idiot proof and like 30 cents.