USB & 12v socket outlet retrofitted to the centre console for rear passengers.
There’s plenty of space at the back of the armrest on the centre console to install the USB / 12v sockets. There’s a wide range of sockets with combinations of USB-A, USB-C etc. choose what’s best for you. You will also need wire, connectors, 5-10 amp fuse and a ‘Fuse Tap’ or ‘Piggyback’ fuse for easily patching into the fuse box.
First remove the 4 screws securing the inner armrest storage compartment, this can then be pulled out. Carefully drill the holes of suitable size for the socket(s).
Screw the base plate onto the centre console and work out your wiring run to the fuse box, along with a suitable earthing point. As its fitted to the centre console hiding all the wiring is easy. As shown in the photos, I connected both sockets to the same fuse and earth with Scotchlocks, for twin sockets such as these it may be safer to have separate fuses and depends on the type being fitted and power they pull.
When using a ‘Fuse Tap’ or ‘Piggyback’ fuse its really important to fit it at the correct orientation onto the fuse box. If the LOAD and 12V side is wrong then the fuse will be bypassed and useless. Check which side on the fuse board has 12v with a multimeter beforehand then fit accordingly. The load pin on fuse taps is always on the wire side (see photo). I found that FUSE 39 (for automatic transmission) was unused in my Vectra and 12v constant with the ignition off, this was ideal for me as I wanted it live constantly with ignition off. Alternatively, find a switched fused on the board and patch into that for ignition on only powered sockets. Fit the appropriate 5-10 amp fuse.
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