Can I plug a 12v vacuum on my prius.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by hormosapiens, Aug 18, 2014.

  1. hormosapiens

    hormosapiens Junior Member

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    I have a portable vacuum that uses 12v plug in outlet on car. Can I safely use the 12v plug in to clean my carpet with this vacuum without being heavy on the aux battery? My main concern is the auxiliary battery. Thanks.

    Nexus 5 ?
     
    #1 hormosapiens, Aug 18, 2014
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Especially considering the vacuum's efficience is not going to be that hot, the cleaning is going to drag on, and you know where that's going to go. ;)

    I'd try to get 110 volt to the car if at all possible.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Aug 18, 2014
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    I suppose the car could be vacuumed in Ready mode, while in Park?

    SCH-I535
     
    #3 xliderider, Aug 18, 2014
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  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    It is possible that the vacuum might blow the fuse feeding the auxiliary power socket, not to mention potentially draining the 12V auxiliary battery depending upon how long this process takes, whether the cabin lights are left on, etc.

    It would be much better to use a household vacuum plugged into an 120VAC power outlet.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Aug 18, 2014
  5. hormosapiens

    hormosapiens Junior Member

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    Holy crap. I am not doing it. Thanks

    Nexus 5 ?
     
    #5 hormosapiens, Aug 18, 2014
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i got a ryobi rechargeable. it's not great, but gets the heavy stuff on the road.
     
    #6 bisco, Aug 18, 2014
  7. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    There should be some indication of the current drawn by the vacuum. If it is of the order of ~8A or less, then using it with the car in ready mode should work OK. The 12V plug will get hot if used for long periods, but for a short suck of the foot wells, then it is fine. I use a 12V tire pump, which has similar current draw, with no problem.
     
    #7 nh7o, Aug 19, 2014
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