Adding 12v sockets

[Elninio1999]

Looking to add some extra 12v sockets that are switched live rather than permanent lives.

These are for (semi) hard wiring the dash cam and another accessory. Wanted to do it this way so i can easily remove in future.

Am I right in thinking I can simply wire directly onto the back of the original sockets in the arm rest or in the rear passenger area without the need for additional fuses or grounding?

[Olaf Els]

That's how I wired the extra sockets I fitted, which are for low-current items

[Elninio1999]

Nice and discreet! Just wired straight onto the back of the front tunnel socket?

[Olaf Els]

I found it easier to take a feed and earth off the 12v socket at the rear of the centre console. Access to this is gained by removing the ashtray and holder. From there I ran the new wires forward past the gear shift. I removed the control panel and then fastened the double socket holder to the rear face, through bolted.

This video will show you how to dismantle the centre console to gain access behind the control panel, if that's what you choose to do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2Y7JbShlTw

I think I found a good place for the extra sockets as it's an otherwise 'dead' space behind the console. There's still room for a pair of sunglasses, which is all I use it for.

[Baxlin]

OK, I only wanted one extra outlet, so I used a piggy-back fuse and took the power straight from the fusebox.

As I didn’t intend to remove the dashcam while I owned the car, I used a ‘trailing’ ciggy socket, into which I plugged the dashcam’s plug, and hid it up behind the dash.

All of the cabling was then hidden behind trim, my mantra being “I hate visible wires”!

[mhon72]

I fitted a couple of switched USB sockets when I had the centre console out to change the cupholder lid and shifter boot.

[Tatsfield]

I like this mod. I have an old TomTom sat nav which is set to just give audible speed camera warnings to augment the built in Sensus sat nav and it lives in that central locker box but there is no 12 power in there. From which socket did you take the power? I thought I would use the one on the back of the console facing the rear seats and bring the wiring forwards into the box.

[mhon72]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

I like this mod. I have an old TomTom sat nav which is set to just give audible speed camera warnings to augment the built in Sensus sat nav and it lives in that central locker box but there is no 12 power in there. From which socket did you take the power? I thought I would use the one on the back of the console facing the rear seats and bring the wiring forwards into the box.

I used the rear one to power the socket in the side of the tunnel.
For the socket under the roller cover behind the cup holders it was easier to grab the feed from the adjacent 12v cigarette socket.