So I'm definitely no electrical genius...

Dumb question probably, but is there anything to worry about if I wanted to install a USB or cigarette lighter charger already having a trickle charger lead and a power commander installed? I am 99.9% certain it's no big deal, but for the life of me, I cannot understand electrics on a bike. My only concern is shorting things, but I doubt that would happen with a couple extra wires leading from the battery...

Any thoughts would be helpful...even if they are, "NO STUPID!" Just want to make sure my idiocy with wiring doesn't come back to bite me because I want to charge my phone while riding...

 

Nope. Just put the power lead (red) to the battery positive terminal with an inline fuse and the ground wire (black) on a metal screw or bolt on the metal frame (black frame not the silver one

 

Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for. What about a switch? Would it draw current without an on/off switch? That's what I'm most concerned about, I guess...being on a trip, turning the key and...nothing...

 

Switch even better turn off when not in use :thumb:

 

The current draw on nothing plugged into the socket is ... Nothing!

The current draw of a charger without anything plugged in with or without a little LED light is... Next to nothing!
(It's so low it's negligible- it would take months if not years to kill the battery)

So unplug your device and you don't need a switch. Unless you want one.

I went without a switch so if I want to charge my phone without the ignition turned to on (and the headlights blazing) I can. I'm not likely to forget my cell for long!

 

Personally, I would not bother with the switch. That is just lipstick and mascara. It really serves no significant purpose. If wired as VFR Love says, there is no current running through those wires until you plug something in which completes the circuit. If there is nothing plugged in, then you have an open circuit which has no current running through it. Therefore, no drain on your battery.

With any electrical installation, if there is going to be a failure, either immediate or in the future, it is most likely to be where a connection is made. By putting a switch in the loop, you have added two more connections where there needs to be none.

Then you have to think about where you are going to mount the switch. It should not hurt your cell to leave it plugged in for the couple hours it takes to charge the phone. Once it is charged, un-plug it and put the phone away some place safe and secure.

My 2 cents worth.

 

Guess I wasn't quick enough. VFR Love and I must share the same brain wave length. Now that, my friends, is absolutely scarey.

 

You probably dont need a switch but you can get a $5 multimeter to check voltage and amps when nothing is plugged in to verify you are good.

 

Thanks everyone. I got exactly what I was looking for. Went ahead and bought a nice waterproof set-up with in line fuse and will NOT put a switch in the loop. Thanks again, guys...