Adding in a USB port in the console wiring question

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I added a USB port in my console for charging stuff but have a question about wiring it. For the guys who have added them how did you wire them up?

Can I just tap into the cigarette lighter wiring or should it be directly to the fuse box? I am going to add an inline fuse as well just in case.

[Dino]

I have not done this yet but for s power source you can do either option.  Instead of tapping into the lighter, I'd go straight to the fuse box though.  It's a short run and you'll have nothing to worry about.   

[oldcarnut]

I installed both a USB and Barrel ports in my custom dash.  Thing to remember if you use the lighter wire or tap off the box is to make sure you use the appropriate amp rating inline fuse because the other circuit may have too high a rated fuse.  I wired in a whole new blade fuse box so I was able to use its own spade fuse.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Thanks guys! So where on the fuse block would be the best spot to tap into? Just on top of one of the accessory fuses like the radio?

That dash is killer oldcarnut! Where did you find the usb port with the chrome ring? Or did you custom make it?

[oldcarnut]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-USB-Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Splitter-12V-Charger-Power-Adapter-Outlet-/291450057444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43dbc6f2e4

I bought a set like this.  I made the bright trim rings to go with the gauges bezels on the rest of the dash.  Depend on how you want the charger to work with key on or with off.  Battery terminal would let you use it full time but the acc would be with key on.  Either would would work.  Mine was put on a battery circuit so I could charge or play without having a key in. I have both into one 5amp fuse.

[Jaysick]

I was gonna do this too but I installed an Alpine system and it had a USB plug in the back.  I routed the cable from behind under the carpet and it comes out next to my seat.  If your planning on installing a head unit this might be another option.
Like the dash oldcarnut, i did mine sheet metal like that too.  What thickness did you use?  Cobalt gauges?

[oldcarnut]

Thanks.  Its 11gauge (1/8) stainless all way across. Just added the ac stuff today from classic auto air.  Gauges are from Marshall Instruments.  They do a lot more capabilities than the normal gauges.