I would like to add one or two USB charging port to both my 1997 Accord and 1996 Civic DX hatchback. Both have rectangular switch knockouts that appear to be an excellent location for the ports. Has anyone found a source for a unit that will fit into the switch opening? I plan to either run directly to the inside fuse box or off the same circuit as the cigarette lighter.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Brķan S. Du Bois
Evansville, IN

 

I never saw anything like that. Not sure how the commercial usb can be installed. You may have to cut a proper-sized opening into that plastic piece, then the usb port will snap in place.

 

Thank you for your prompt and kind reply. I hoped for find an off the shelf item that I would not need to make. I searched multiple sites and found nothing. It seemed reasonable that I would not be the only user looking for a similar product. I hoped it would be as simple as removing the knock out, routing the wires and connecting one wire to body ground and the other to a fused 12V+ terminal. My thought was the unit would have a 5V+ dc regulator included. I think there should be room for two USB ports in one knockout and one power source should provide sufficient power for both ports. I may try a heated Xacto knife to hopefully melt through the plastic and make a clean cut. I will attempt to document and post. It might prove useful to the other half dozen or so who might have a similar interest.

Sincerely,

Brķan S. Du Bois
Evansville, IN

 

You can always get one that plugs into the cig. lighter and cut the wire and hard wire it into the empty switch location with a little ingenuity of course.

 

There are single or dual usb power socket with voltage regulators built-in already available; that you can hardwire into a 12 volt source. You would either drill/cut a hole anywhere or use the existing cigarette lighter location (remove cigarette light socket first); and insert the usb socket, then wire it up.

One wire goes to a ground source, the other wire goes to a power source (which you can use a Littelfuse Add-a-Circuit to a fuse box slot).

Ebay, etc. has them.