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19A Draw From Aux 12v Battery OK?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by The Critic, Aug 27, 2012.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    I am considering a portable 12v air compressor as a tire inflator, and would like to know if the Prius would be capable of running it (assuming the vehicle is in READY):

    VIAIR Corporation - 88P Part No. 00088

    Additionally, I was also considering this unit...but am not sure if the draw would be too much for the cig-adapter:

    VIAIR Corporation - 85P Part No. 00085

    Furthermore, any advice/suggestions on which one would be adequate for inflating passenger car tires would be appreciated. Do note that I like to overbuy, in general.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 The Critic, Aug 27, 2012
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    The 19A, from clamps on the battery posts or from the under hood jump contacts while in READY mode, sounds fine to me. Numerous folks have used 120V inverters drawing considerable more than that for extended periods.

    The 14.5A from the 'cigarette-lighter' accessory outlet sounds risky. I believe these sockets were originally rated for just 10A, and the Prius doesn't really have a version upgraded to higher ampacity. IIRC, its fuse is 15A, which may not blow soon with 14.5A, but will quickly run into reliability problems if used more than a few times.
     
    #2 fuzzy1, Aug 27, 2012
  3. Jonny Zero

    Jonny Zero Giggidy

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    Use a bicycle pump with a Schrader connection. No power cord to drag around. Quicker for a top off, and a upper body work out if you need to add more than 5 PSI...
     
    #3 Jonny Zero, Aug 27, 2012
  4. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    The 14.5amps running current is to much for the cig-adapter as the starting current will be many times more than this almost certainly blowing the fuse. The version running from clamps will be fine in ready mode either connected to the jump point in the fuse box or direct to the battery.
     
    #4 Britprius, Aug 27, 2012
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Thanks guys, I ordered the 88p and will report back.


    iPhone ?
     
    #5 The Critic, Aug 27, 2012
  6. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Harbor Freight makes a nice unit we've been using for a year.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #6 bwilson4web, Sep 1, 2012
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