Cig lighter power outlet install w/photos

Dalehelman · December 2015

Someone posted somewhere they were quoted $200 to install 2 outlets in their rear cabinets. The following pictures show the steps and parts needed. Cost a little more $5 per outlet plus some wire and a few wire connectors. I located my outlets inside the cabs to avoid dangling wires when in use. You will need a 7/8" hole saw or equivalent and drill. I purchased the outlets at O Reilly's auto for under $5 each. Remove speaker grill by rotating it counter clock wise. Remove speaker. Locate white and blue wires (color may very) that power reading light. Determine which one is power and which one is ground my case blue is power white ground. Drill mounting hole. Since the cab wall is quite thick it is necessary to cut about 1/4" off of the plug retaining ring (see photo). Insert outlet and secure from rear. Hook wire from center of outlet to power wire using 3M connector or solder and tape if preferred. Attach wire from retaining ring to ground wire the same way. Test and reinstall speaker and cover.

Nomad · December 2015

Cool, good job.

Cyclonic · December 2015

Nicely done.

ChanW · December 2015

Thanks for the how-to, Dale. Very helpful tip about cutting off the sleeve to accommodate the board thickness.

In our 2014 'S', the space behind the speaker isn't kept separate from the cupboard space. So we have a bit more cupboard space, but the speakers, and the potential spot for that 12V cig receptacle, are not quite as protected as in your case.

KyBawpaw · January 2016

As to this 12 volt receptacle, would it be a good idea to add an inline fuse to the hot wire on the installation? If so, how many amp would be advisable? BTW, I got the "No permission, blah, blah" page too clicking that link.

Dalehelman · January 2016

The line is already fuse protected and most cig plugs are fused at the tip to protect the accessory being plugged in. The answer IMHO is no.

markath · August 2017

Needed 12 Volt at the back of our 2015 S Max for CPCP power at night. Dale Helman and Mich. Mike to the aid. $14 for 2 marine 12v outlets from Amazon Prime and $5 for a box of snap tap wire connectors. Removed the speakers. Located the Blue(+) and White(ground) wires from the reading lights. Drilled 1 1/8" holes on each side of the cabinet over the beds. Photo shows a 12v meter with 2 USB outlets as well.