Powerlet outlet in cabin
Last Modified Mar 11, 2012

I installed a Powerlet socket in the underdash panel on the driver side.
This is for my Garmin i5 GPS, and whatever else I might want to plug in.
I used a stepper drill bit to drill a .75" hole, and tapped power from
the junction box in the footwell. For now I've got a 5A ATM fuse
fuse downstream, but eventually I'll just run into the fuse box and
use one of the unoccupied fuse locations.
Various pictures of Powerlet work.
Work Log
- August 15, 2007
-
Cabin Powerlet
I started buttoning up the interior, sans the new microcontroller setup
which will wait for after Homecoming. I did run some of the wiring for
it, using the parallel AWG18 wire (4 wires). All I need for now is the
Powerlet socket, which is done. I buttoned up the fuse box, and tested
the run for the Powerlet socket. It works fine (5A LED fuse in position
42). I need to put the interior back together, and consider using a 1A
fuse.
- August 14, 2007
-
Cabin Powerlet
The cable for the Garmin i5 arrived from Eastern Beaver. I shortened
it about 4 inches, then tested it. It works fine. Might be a good idea
to test the output voltage, but I don't have a mini USB jack.
- August 11, 2007
-
Cabin Powerlet
I installed the tailed double leaf spring connectors in fuse locations
42, 40 and 17. I connected the power wire to them and connected that to
the junction box location under the driver's side dash. I didn't realize
there was a sheet metal jumper needed to do it. I fabricated one since
I didn't have the part. I also connected each fuse output to the barrier
strip with uninsulated terminals that I put heatshrink on.
- August 6, 2007
-
Cabin Powerlet
I drilled out one of the additional holes in the fusebox to run more wiring
into the cabin and use fuses locations in the fuse box. I need to order parts
from BMW:
- 50A fuse, 61.13.8.365.901, qty. 5 at $1.86 each
- tailed fuse tab receptacle, 61.13.0.007.440, 10 at $2.25 each
I ordered some barrier strips with jumpers and cover from McMaster-Carr
so I can distribute power and ground in the cabin. I want to run one
hot-at-all-times to/from the fusebox, with 12-gauge wire. Back from the
fusebox, I want 3 leads; fuse 42, fuse 40 and fuse 17.
- August 5, 2007
-
Cabin Powerlet
I installed the Powerlet socket in the underdash panel. I also ordered
a cable from Eastern Beaver
to power the Garmin i5.
Links
-
Where I bought Powerlet parts.