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Fog light switch with plug - could anyone help?

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:59 pm
by stephenpolhill
Hi there. As you can see in the picture of my fog lamp switches, I have some sort of 2 pin plug. I have been told by my uncle it is a powerpoint and can be adapted for a cigarette style plug. I don't smoke but the parents do have a SatNav and I am getting some iPod speakers so does anyone know if i can use it with an adaptor, where I can get an adaptor, what its called and how much they are
Thanks<br>Image<br>

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:16 pm
by alex_holden
You could buy a cigar lighter, drill out the rivets and remove the existing power socket, cut out a large enough hole in the panel for the lighter, and connect it up.

Alternatively, get one of those three-way accessory sockets from somewhere like Halfords and install it next to the existing panel. The advantage of that is you can power the sat nav, speakers, and phone charger all at the same time. :)

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:19 pm
by stephenpolhill
I could do. But I would prefer to just find out what the plug is for and what I could connect into it etc.
Thanks for the hint and if I give up looking, I might try converting it.

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:22 pm
by linearaudio
Looks like an antique Bulgin connector to me. Not a standard power one, I would cut a hole out for a cigarette lighter socket. I don't smoke either, but most accessories use them!!

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:22 pm
by PSL184
It is as your Uncle points out a powerpoint socket. However, the chances of finding anything to plug into it these days are slim. You would have plugged in a parking light or similar stuff back in the day.... Fit a cig lighter socket as Alex suggests then you can plug in a number of modern accesories....

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:25 pm
by stephenpolhill
Okey dokey cheers.
Any idea how I would start that? At the back there are 6 wires - 2 for each switch and 2 from the plug.

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:27 pm
by PSL184
You only need the 2 from the plug. One will be +12 volts and the other back to earth.....

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:29 pm
by stephenpolhill
OK. So if I buy this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12v-Power-Cigar-C ... 1|294%3A50
Then all I have to do is find somewhere for it, and attach the two wires?

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:31 pm
by PSL184
Basically, yes - although that socket has 4 connections in total. 2 are to power the socket and 2 to illuminate the green outer ring.

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 7:46 pm
by stephenpolhill
Ah right. Also would my car being able to take it (dynamo?).

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 7:52 pm
by PSL184
Sat Nav, mobile phone etc yes but I wouldn't try to boil a kettle :-)

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 7:53 pm
by stephenpolhill
So simply detach the wires leading into the 2 pin plug, solder them to the new cigarette charger's then use? No mods to the plug itself or any fuses etc?

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 7:56 pm
by PSL184
It's always wise to put an inline fuse in but consider what current you will be drawing when fitting a suitable fuse. Most sockets will take 20 amps OK but your dynamo won't like that much so if just for sat nav etc a 5 amp fuse will be fine. No mods needed to the plug but check your old wiring is OK and up to the job!

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 8:09 pm
by stephenpolhill
Okey Dokey thanks. I will get Dad's help on that as although I am ok at simple wiring (model railway), I daren't risk doing it on my own on my baby!

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 11:03 pm
by bmcecosse
The socket would be for a navigator light for map reading - or parking light etc as above. It's a period piece - seems a pity to destroy it! You may get a plug to suit in a Caravan shop - or try RS Components or Maplins. You could certainly just plug individual banana plugs into the holes !

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 11:14 pm
by ASL642
I've got the same fitment under the dash in Vikki. I even have the parking light that fitted to the roof via the quarterlight :D

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 11:18 pm
by PSL184
regaliaqueen wrote:I've got the same fitment under the dash in Vikki. I even have the parking light that fitted to the roof via the quarterlight :D
Me too :-)

Trouble is, I ain't found owt else that I can plug into it though :roll:

Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 11:29 pm
by ASL642
The Meercat? I'm sick of the OH singing (if that's what you call it) along to that X"$*$ tune! :lol: Look for a period map reading light for it on fleabay?I'm still waiting for the cigarette lighter socket - got the wiring but so socket - still in garage :cry: ageing nicely :lol:

Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 12:10 am
by IaininTenbury
Why not use a plug, or single plugs into the socket to power a 3way cig lighter adaptor. Then you don't need to mess with the nice period switch panel, and have the convenience of three lighter sockets to use. Just a thought...

Incidentally, Land Rovers have a similar socket built in on the dash panel, I think intended for an inspection light, which is nice really given the frequency you need one with and old Land rover... The inspection lamps turn up at autojumbles and car shows quite often with the 2pin plug on ready to go.

Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 12:13 am
by d_harris
Just to point out, if you are buying multi fag lighter sockets visit your local pundland before spending any extra......