IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Power Outlets?

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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 08:38 AM
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Default Power Outlets?

Is there really only 1 power outlet in the 3IS? I just purchased the car 3 days ago and I am quite disappointed since I run a camera at all times and I am unable to charge my phone at the same time. Is there another power outlet that I am not aware off? If not is it possible to create one somewhere? Thanks for the help I am still trying to figure out this car
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 09:15 AM
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If you're running a dash cam then you should get it wired to run off one of your fuses when the car starts up, that's what I did. It's just easier that way.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 09:27 AM
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Hard wire is the answer. but seems if you ask if its possible to create a power outlet, you probably should not be doing this work yourself. hire a pro!
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 10:13 AM
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I would hard wire your camera to the mirror if possible. I have my radar detector wired to my mirror with a mirror tap.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by seb2497
...I am unable to charge my phone at the same time...
Do you have a USB cable for the phone to charge it from one of the two USB ports? That would solve your immediate problem if you didn't want to hardwire the camera.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 11:38 AM
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with my dash cam, i purchased a 10ft usb cable and ran it down to the A pillar, behind the glove and inside the center console and have a dual usb port griffin powerjolt cig adapter. One power the camera when the car turns on and one power my phone. (I don't connect my phone via usb to the radio's usb because it charges slow and I use bluetooth instead of data cable). I do this to ALL my cars for all my dash cam and works great.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by seb2497
Is there really only 1 power outlet in the 3IS? I just purchased the car 3 days ago and I am quite disappointed since I run a camera at all times and I am unable to charge my phone at the same time. Is there another power outlet that I am not aware off? If not is it possible to create one somewhere? Thanks for the help I am still trying to figure out this car
Hey bud! Yup, there's only one cigarette adapter in the cars. In my vehicle, I am also given 2 usb plugs.

I have my radar detector hardwired into my mirror, my dash cam plugged into the cigarette adapter, and my phone plugged in via usb. I ran the cables through the gap in the headliner, down the left side of the car, under the carpet and into the arm rest. Everything is very neat and very little cable is exposed.

Your best option is to hardwire it into the mirror tap as stated above. When you mention power outlet though -- the first thing that comes to mind is an actual power outlet. This could really only be achieved with purchasing an inverter, connecting it to your battery, drilling through firewall, running cable inside and then plugging your devices into that inverter. This method is rarely ever used for DIY stuff/beginners because with small vehicles it's hard to make everything look neat/very accessible. (it also takes a little bit of time)
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 11:49 AM
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I wouldn't mind adding a USB power outlet in my rear just under my center rear vents for the kids to plug in electronics when necessary. I'm highly considering adding 2 in the wife's RX
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 12:28 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by Sasnuke
Do you have a USB cable for the phone to charge it from one of the two USB ports? That would solve your immediate problem if you didn't want to hardwire the camera.
The USB ports in our cars aren't meant for charging your phones. The amps on the USB ports is like .5 of an amp; very low cannot suffiecently charge your phone, but will give you SOME juice.

For OP, I've did a quick search, you can probably use this
Amazon Amazon

if you insist on using the AC Power sockets. Cannot promise it won't blow up your car.. lol jk
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