sylvaman Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 Hi All, I have a recent model fitted with a standard CC fitted 12volt socket , under the N/s dash (by fusebox) .Can i trickle charge through this socket ; Using an Optimate 0.8 A style charger/conditioner. Or is there anywhere else to plug into without taking bonnet off and connecting direct to battery .Lazy, I know.What do all you guys do in the winter months when our cars aren't getting so much use and need to keep battery topped up ? Prob a leading question lol. Thanks again, excellent site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 17, 2019 Member Share Posted November 17, 2019 Yes, lots of us use smart conditioning chargers and a cigar lighter socket.What type of battery?And do you have a battery master switch?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 I do - providing its permanent live its fine (rather than ignition switched 12v).I have an FIA cut off switch and the socket is the only live wire (apart from the thick battery cable) when the key is out. It has its own fuse.Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylvaman Posted November 17, 2019 Author Share Posted November 17, 2019 Hi Jonathan and Wp. Its a standard Banner 30A battery and i don't have a master switch/ cut out fitted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 17, 2019 Member Share Posted November 17, 2019 You just need to confirm the point that Ian made... that the socket is connected to the battery when the key is out! :-)That Banner battery isn't sealed: check the level of fluid in the cells every so often.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylvaman Posted November 17, 2019 Author Share Posted November 17, 2019 Ah.... Will do . Thanks J and Ian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted November 17, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted November 17, 2019 I maintain the battery this way (but with an isolator). The Optimate will tell you if it is charging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K7 VCT Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 Using a ctek 0.8 via the 12 volt socket, mine is connected direct to the banner battery with inline fuse. Been using for 3 years. Do much better than removing the bonnet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom_Arundel Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 Check the polarity + - is correct before plugging in. I use a Halfords socket...ok for the last 10 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylvaman Posted November 17, 2019 Author Share Posted November 17, 2019 Nice one guys , just what i wanted to hear. Checked that it's live with the Ignition off and have ordered the correct mail adapter for the Optimate , so can plug directly ; one end in to under Dash 12v socket , other into charger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadsport06 Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 That's it. Having to lift the bonnet each time to keep the battery on the optimate was the reason I plumbed in a socket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 17, 2019 Member Share Posted November 17, 2019 Me too, but then they invented smart 'phones!JonathanPS: For Sevens that don't already have a socket my current recommendation is to fit a unit with a cigar lighter socket, two 2.1 A USB charging ports... and a digital voltmeter.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol and Bath AR Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 Like lots of people I got fed up with taking the bonnet off (with somewhere convenient to store it) each time I connected my CTEK. I already have a 12v socket fitted but the wires are quite small gauge. I also was encourgaged by CTEK have their "comfort" connector availble which gives you a constant Battery condition indication.The only issue is routing the wires to the best position in the cockpit. After some careful measurement and "ergonomic study" I have now fitted the connector/indicator socket on the LH side of the dashboard (next to the brake test switch) and routed the wires alongside the existing cables to the Battery Cut Off Switch which goes down the transmission tunnel and up thru the large grommet in front of the gear stick.Only modification was to cut the CTEK Comfort wires and crimp on 2 male/female connectors as neither the Socket/Indicator nor the in-line fuse will pass thru the grommet. The length of the CTEK Comfort 1.5m is perfect to allow you to cable tie to existing looms and make everything tidy.Very pleasing to see the flashing Green Light telling me the Battery is (currently) in good condition. No more wondering if I need to charge and can monitor how long it stays ok during storage.N.B. Car is SV Chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldboarder Posted April 8, 2020 Share Posted April 8, 2020 I picked up the spare 12V feed wires & connector that were found on the underside of the rear bulkhead ( 2017 SV). I fed them up into the boot then connected the Ctek plug supplied with the charger. Now I can connect up without cockpit or Engine compartment access. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CtrMint Posted April 17, 2020 Share Posted April 17, 2020 This might be of interest.https://www.caterham7diaries.com/post/battery-care-ctek-mxs-3-8https://www.caterham7diaries.com/post/ctek-mxs-3-8-indicator-cig-plug-operation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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