Cigarette Lighter in Panel

flybill7 · #1 08-07-2007, 07:21 PM

I'm mounting a cigarette lighter receptacle I bought from SteinAir in my panel. Just wondering if anyone has any tips on how to secure it in the panel? I guess I could just make a hole and glue the thing in.

Thanks in advance, Bill

dan · #2 08-07-2007, 07:55 PM

I put mine in the panel, and next time I might put it elsewhere. Last thing I want is cords strung across the cockpit. Imho, a better place for it might be hidden behind the panel, far to one side or the other.

Consider what you'll plug into it, and consider where that device will be typically rest or be mounted.

videobobk · #3 08-07-2007, 08:02 PM

[quote=flybill7]I'm mounting a cigarette lighter receptacle I bought from SteinAir in my panel. Just wondering if anyone has any tips on how to secure it in the panel? I guess I could just make a hole and glue the thing in.

I think if you'll check that the receptacle is two piece and unscrews. You shouldn't need any glue. At least that's how mine went in. I wanted mine readily available in case I need it. I might need to plug in my handheld backup radio or GPS, for example. I put it between the throttle and mixture (no prop control, FP.) That seemed to be an area where I could get to it and that didn't interfere with anything.

Bob Kelly

Jason · #4 08-07-2007, 08:05 PM

The receptical is a two piece unit. You unscrew to back housing from the receptical, cut the appropriate hole size and screw the two pieces back together sandwitching between the panel.

flybill7 · #5 08-07-2007, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

The receptical is a two piece unit. You unscrew to back housing from the receptical, cut the appropriate hole size and screw the two pieces back together sandwitching between the panel.

Well I'll be darned. Sure enough, it does unscrew. I wouldn't have noticed that in a million years! I'm reconsidering where I want it as well.

Thanks, Bill

walter · #6 08-07-2007, 10:00 PM

Here's an alternative installation which I did and I'm pretty happy with it.

I placed a power receptacle on the bottom of the panel, hidden from sight.
I fabricated a cable which fits into that socket and the other end is a
cigarette lighter socket. It's out of sight when not needed.

See pics and documentation here:

http://www.rv7-a.com/avionics_panel_4.htm

Look for entry dated 10/29/04.

Steve · #7 08-08-2007, 06:26 AM

I mounted my 12v adapter on the forward side of the pax subpanel. This unit has a 4-hole mounting flange on one side and a "weather proof" lid. Available in most auto departments. The guy wearing the blue vest can point the way.

Steve

Capflyer · #8 08-08-2007, 06:38 AM

Hey Bill,

I couldn't think of anything I would need to plug in that needed a cord going to the panel area so I mounted mine facing aft in the flap motor housing pilar so it is behind me in the baggage area. I really did not want to see it in the panel.

Had a nice time with you at Oshkosh. Next year we go in our RV's.

Mike R.

Jamie · #9 08-08-2007, 07:00 AM

I mounted one in my panel, but I also went to the local automotive store and picked one up that's black plastic and has a little mounting foot on it. I mounted it on my subpanel. It has a little cover (advertised as water proof). I plan on using it for powering things like a 496 or other portable GPS if I don't want to tear into the unit's power plug.

flybill7 · #10 08-08-2007, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capflyer

Next year we go in our RV's.

Mike R.

You know it!

... Bill