Power Outlets

casinada · 05-05-2007, 04:06 PM

I am dealing with need to expand my office to include a portable computer and printer for use in the field. Any problems encountered with use of Prius 2007 power outlets? Appreciate any comments.

edmarin · 05-06-2007, 09:59 AM

I have this setup
325 watts power inverter running a IBM laptop and a small hp printer
I did the "always hot" power socket mod, I think i need to go higher on the power inverter because I keep getting the low battery warning on it, once I turn on the ICE it's ok, it has shut down many times, so I down know if the battery is really low or the inverter is to low for the power drain of the two devices.

Ed

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(casinada @ May 5 2007, 04:06 PM) [snapback]436124[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I am dealing with need to expand my office to include a portable computer and printer for use in the field. Any problems encountered with use of Prius 2007 power outlets? Appreciate any comments.
[/b]

faith2walk · 05-06-2007, 11:20 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(casinada @ May 5 2007, 04:06 PM) [snapback]436124[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I am dealing with need to expand my office to include a portable computer and printer for use in the field. Any problems encountered with use of Prius 2007 power outlets? Appreciate any comments. [/b]

My front outlet runs a 400w inverter that powers my laptop, and rechargers for my bluetooth gps, phone, and bluetooth earpiece. My center console outlet powers a small refrigerator which sits behind the passenger's seat.

While the car is running I have no problems, but when I turn the car off, the power draw is to much and the inverter beeps incessantly to let me know it's not getting what it needs (I have the power outlet conversion). I could probably get by with a direct battery connection because I think that the power draw is limited by the gauge of the wires coming to the outlet...not really sure, but at 105k miles, it may also be that the 12v battery needs replacing.

v.jones · 05-06-2007, 11:31 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(edmarin @ May 6 2007, 09:59 AM) [snapback]436330[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I have this setup
325 watts power inverter running a IBM laptop and a small hp printer
I did the "always hot" power socket mod, I think i need to go higher on the power inverter because I keep getting the low battery warning on it, once I turn on the ICE it's ok, it has shut down many times, so I down know if the battery is really low or the inverter is to low for the power drain of the two devices.

Ed
[/b]

If you were actually drawing 325 watts from your inverter, you'd be blowing fuses (325 W = 27 amps at 12 V). So your problem is NOT inverter capacity. Your inverter's cutoff voltage may be set a little high, but keep in mind that the Prius has a really wimpy 12V battery and drawing significant loads with the hybrid system off is a good way to get practice with jump starts and 12V battery replacements. If it were my car, I'd undo the "always hot" mod and burn a little gas. Even at $5 a gallon, you can get a lot of gas for the price of a replacement 12V battery.

Good luck and have fun!

Vince

priussoris · 05-06-2007, 11:40 AM

The only good Iv'e really read about having the always hot mod is for a solar battery charger otherwise I have heard people leaving items plugged in and running down the 12 volt batt.

prius2006rocks · 05-08-2007, 06:09 PM

When I plugged in my portable DVD player into the AUX port it works fine. Then when I also plugged in the cigarette charger into the DVD player a very noticable hum comes through the speakers too. (Only when I charge the player too) And it didn't help switiching to the other cigarette lighter either... Thanks!

indiepants · 05-10-2007, 03:03 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(faith2walk @ May 6 2007, 11:20 AM) [snapback]436360[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

My front outlet runs a 400w inverter that powers my laptop, and rechargers for my bluetooth gps, phone, and bluetooth earpiece. My center console outlet powers a small refrigerator which sits behind the passenger's seat.
[/b]

Wow. You should consider renting an apartment

dmckinstry · 05-10-2007, 03:23 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(v.jones @ May 6 2007, 08:31 AM) [snapback]436363[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

If you were actually drawing 325 watts from your inverter, you'd be blowing fuses (325 W = 27 amps at 12 V). So your problem is NOT inverter capacity. Your inverter's cutoff voltage may be set a little high, but keep in mind that the Prius has a really wimpy 12V battery and drawing significant loads with the hybrid system off is a good way to get practice with jump starts and 12V battery replacements. If it were my car, I'd undo the "always hot" mod and burn a little gas. Even at $5 a gallon, you can get a lot of gas for the price of a replacement 12V battery.

Good luck and have fun!

Vince
[/b]

Since you've mentioned blowing fuses, I should mention. The fuse puller is in the relay box in front of the driver in the engine compartment. Standard fuse pullers won't work. A second point is, don't believe the description of fuse locations given in the owner's manual. The fuses are located in the appropriate locations described, but not the specific location of each fuse described. For the fuses under the steering column, use the diagram on the cover of the fuses to identify specific fuses.

At least, this proved to be the case in my '05 Prius.

Dave M.

Martin L · 05-11-2007, 10:24 PM

[quote]
If you were actually drawing 325 watts from your inverter, you'd be blowing fuses (325 W = 27 amps at 12 V). So your problem is NOT inverter capacity. Your inverter's cutoff voltage may be set a little high, but keep in mind that the Prius has a really wimpy 12V battery and drawing significant loads with the hybrid system off is a good way to get practice with jump starts and 12V battery replacements. If it were my car, I'd undo the "always hot" mod and burn a little gas. Even at $5 a gallon, you can get a lot of gas for the price of a replacement 12V battery.

Good luck and have fun!

Vince

Sorry -- first time I must have hit the wrong key on my computer. What I wanted to ask was
how long can you run a small RV type fan from the power outlet with the hybrid system off without overly draining the 12 volt battery? The Prius (2007) manual only states "do not use the power outlet longer than necessary when the hybrid system is not operating.) Thanks for any info.

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05-05-2007, 04:06 PM	#1
casinada Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I am dealing with need to expand my office to include a portable computer and printer for use in the field. Any problems encountered with use of Prius 2007 power outlets? Appreciate any comments.

05-06-2007, 11:40 AM	#5
priussoris Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,005 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	The only good Iv'e really read about having the always hot mod is for a solar battery charger otherwise I have heard people leaving items plugged in and running down the 12 volt batt.

05-08-2007, 06:09 PM	#6
prius2006rocks Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 159 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	When I plugged in my portable DVD player into the AUX port it works fine. Then when I also plugged in the cigarette charger into the DVD player a very noticable hum comes through the speakers too. (Only when I charge the player too) And it didn't help switiching to the other cigarette lighter either... Thanks!

05-11-2007, 10:24 PM	#9
Martin L Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	[quote] If you were actually drawing 325 watts from your inverter, you'd be blowing fuses (325 W = 27 amps at 12 V). So your problem is NOT inverter capacity. Your inverter's cutoff voltage may be set a little high, but keep in mind that the Prius has a really wimpy 12V battery and drawing significant loads with the hybrid system off is a good way to get practice with jump starts and 12V battery replacements. If it were my car, I'd undo the "always hot" mod and burn a little gas. Even at $5 a gallon, you can get a lot of gas for the price of a replacement 12V battery. Good luck and have fun! Vince Sorry -- first time I must have hit the wrong key on my computer. What I wanted to ask was how long can you run a small RV type fan from the power outlet with the hybrid system off without overly draining the 12 volt battery? The Prius (2007) manual only states "do not use the power outlet longer than necessary when the hybrid system is not operating.) Thanks for any info.