12v power socket permanent connection ok?

[Marios (Marios)]

Hi Guys

This may be a silly question for some but for the less electrically inclined, its always best to ask. Can I leave my 12v socket connected to the terminals of the battery on a permanent basis, even when charging the battery. ??

The socket has a covering cap and 7.5amp fuse between the socket and the eyelet on the positive terminal.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=PP2012
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=PP2016

[Astro_Bot]

Yes, as long as there's no load (device) plugged into the socket. The socket itself is an air gap, so no impact to the battery at all.

Don't re-charge through the socket, though, as the initial current surge may blow the fuse (and the cheap chinese manufacturer may have skimped on the wiring).

[Marios (Marios)]

Originally Posted by Astro_Bot

Yes, as long as there's no load (device) plugged into the socket. The socket itself is an air gap, so no impact to the battery at all.

Don't re-charge through the socket, though, as the initial current surge may blow the fuse (and the cheap chinese manufacturer may have skimped on the wiring).

Thanks mate I thought it would be ok, I get a bit paranoid with power.
I went down this path to get away from connecting alligator clips and splitting a single socket with those all in one multi cig sockets. I get to much noise and power flux when multiple devices plugged into the same circuit.

[Marios (Marios)]

Just one other thing if a short was some how to be created on the socket end, ie. I spill coffee into it. Would the fuse blow and save the battery or would i get nice fireworks display?

[Astro_Bot]

Very probably the fuse would blow, but there's no such thing as absolute certainty with fuses and breakers.

I wouldn't worry about it - a spilt liquid "short" at 12VDC isn't much to worry about and would probably dissipate before the battery had time to overheat anyway.

Ever accidentally dropped a spanner across a car battery? Now that's a short!

[Marios (Marios)]

Originally Posted by Astro_Bot

Very probably, but there's no such thing as absolute certainty with fuses and breakers.

I wouldn't worry about it - a spilt liquid "short" at 12VDC isn't much to worry about and would probably disappate before the battery had time to overheat anyway.

Ever accidentally dropped a spanner across a car battery? Now that's a short!