I blew the fuse for the lighter socket for the second time

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Paul Gregory, Aug 24, 2025 at 3:56 PM.

  1. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

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    I'm totally to blame. I run too many accessories at the same time. This time it was the vibrating seat cushion that broke the camel's back. I decided to use a 20 amp breaker in place of the 15 amp fuse. Since I don't bend that way, I took it to a local repair shop, where they installed it for free. The mechanic advised against it, but I said I was doing it anyway. I have no problem at all driving 20 amps through that circuit.

    I run several chargers, a cellphone booster, a dashcam, a radar detector, and the back massager. Now, if it blows again, I'll know when to disconnect some of them, but I won't have to replace a fuse.
     
  2. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

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    I learned about the limits of the lighter socket in my Gen 3 from a close call. That one is protected by a 10 amp fuse, and I may have upgraded the fuse; I don't recall.

    But when I plugged in my truckers oven (heated lunchbox) I smelled hot plastic, so I unplugged it right away. No apparent harm to it anyhow. I installed a socket directly off the battery, with a long extension cable instead. I'm sure it was fused at 20 amps. No problem with that setup at all.
     
    #2 Paul Gregory, Aug 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2025 at 7:28 PM
  3. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    You posted this knowing anyone with even the most basic electrical knowledge and wisdom would advise against. :rolleyes:
     
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  4. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

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    Of course I knew. But I feel confident in my choice.
    I knew someone would be eager to criticize my decision.
     
    #4 Paul Gregory, Aug 24, 2025 at 7:11 PM
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ah, that's why. i was wondering
     
  6. Brian1954

    Brian1954 Senior Member

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    Do you do the same thing at your house? When a 15 amp breaker trips a couple of times, do you go and replace the 15 amp circuit breaker with a 20 or 30 amp breaker?