Small electircity question

[Arthur Marshall]

Got a new aeriel for the boat TV which needs a 12v power supply for the built in amp. There's already a plug for the 12v TV (small 9 inch portable freeviw thing) - can I just take another line out of that plug for the 12v feed to the amp, or is that likely to overload the supply wires so they get a bit hot? Just seems simpler than fitting another plug, but admittedly is pure laziness on my part.

[Paul C]

Depends on the current rating of the TV and aerial amplifier, and the thickness of the wires used to supply the 12V socket....but at an educated guess I suspect you'll be fine because an aerial amp doesn't draw much current.

[Chris Pink]

It will be fine the amplifier uses diddley-squit.

[Arthur Marshall]

Thanks all as ever! I promise not to sue if it explodes...

[smileypete]

Could always use a fused cigarette lighter plug if the existing isn't fused and the wire is quite spindly, eg:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replacement-Fe-Male-Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Plug-Connector-Fuse-LED-Neon-/170713486765

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-24V-Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Plug-With-5amp-Fuse-/200882203927

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Edited May 15, 2013 by smileypete

[Chris Pink]

as we're in a fantasy ebay mood, one of these might do the trick;

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CCTV-2-way-Power-Splitter-12V-DC-2-1mm-/170824868889