12v Socket Fuse Blow

[Fu-Inator]

My I/O boat has a 12v aux power socket. When the engine is running and I try to use it with one of those tube inflater blowers, the fuse for that circuit in the boat blows. However with the engine off, the power socket runs the blower just fine (after I replace the fuse... lol). The book shows the fuse block with a 10 amp on that circuit but the blower plug itself has a 15 amp fuse.

I have three choices at this point:
1. Just keep turning the engine off while inflating stuff
2. Change to a 15 amp on the fuse block
3. Dive-in deeper on my diagnostics of this problem

Any suggestions?

Everything else works good, no other blown fuses w/engine on or off.

I have searched other threads here, I didn't find anything with my exact problem. If I missed another thread with the answer, my apologies.

 

[PondTunes]

Re: 12v Socket Fuse Blow

Sound's like something else might be tapped into the wire that feeds your 12v plug. Possibly the radio? There really shouldn't be anything tied into there from the engine that would put more draw on the outlet with the engine running.

You should also look at the socket it may have an amperage rating on it, if you're blowing the 10 amp fuse if that socket is only rated for 10 amps it could potentially get hot and melt. You also need to look at the wiring for the socket, how long is wire between the fuse block and the accessory plug? What gauge is it?

 

[jevery]

Re: 12v Socket Fuse Blow

I had the same problem, 10A fuse blows as soon as the inflator is switched on. I cut the adapter off the inflator cord and crimped on two small battery clips. Now I just clamp the inflator directly on the battery posts and it works fine.

 

[PondTunes]

Re: 12v Socket Fuse Blow

yeah those pumps do draw a bit more, you might check the documentation for the actual draw if its over 10 it's gonna pop it. I'm pretty sure there are some 15 or 30 amp they may be marked as heavy duty.

 

[JB]

Re: 12v Socket Fuse Blow

Put the 15A fuse in the fuse block. The extra voltage when the alternator is charging is just enough to blow the 10A.

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: 12v Socket Fuse Blow

Thanks everyone! Next time on the lake, I'll try the 15 amp. Should I check the fuse for heat while the inflater is running or will they always hot?