Is there any way I can use this product plugged into my car?

[vrwl]

Ok, here's a question for you "engineer-types". I'd like to purchase this item http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012WHBSO but I am concerned about using in the power plug port on my LEAF. The product says it's 15 Amp, but I checked the manual for the car and it says on page 2-49 (2011) that the Power Port is 10 Amp. Is there any way I can use this plugged into my car? Or will I need to purchase something additional to make it a workable situation? Obviously, I don't want to fry my car.

 

[Nubo]

15A will blow the fuse and putting in a higher amp fuse is probably not a good idea.

Assuming your intent is just to use for topping off the tire pressures, I'd suggest a somewhat less powerful compressor that will work with the 10A power receptacles. I use the unit below and while I'm sure it's less powerful than the 15A unit and is for light-duty use with a 10-minute duty cycle, it has served fine for topping off the tires.

http://www.sportys.com/PilotShop/product/14334" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm sure folks can give recommendations about using the 15A unit using other methods such as alligator clips, but I will leave that up to folks with more 'lectrical expertise.

 

[vrwl]

Ok, thanks. That answered my question, so I just need to be sure to purchase one that's not over 10 amps. Wasn't sure if the extra 5 would make a difference, so I thought I better ask.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Cut the cigarette 12 volt in off, and attach two alligator clips to attach directly to the battery red post (positive) and ground (not on the negative battery post, but to a physical ground in the car).

 

[Nubo]

FYI, just want to make sure you know that the car comes with a compressor in the emergency tire kit?

I use the aftermarket compressor for topping off so as to not wear out the Nissan unit.

 

[vrwl]

Yeah Tony, I've seen adapters you can use (a little more graceful than using the bare wires) that have little alligator clamps on the ends where you can attached a 12v plug directly to the car battery. That's a good solution too.

 

[vrwl]

FYI, just want to make sure you know that the car comes with a compressor in the emergency tire kit?

I use the aftermarket compressor for topping off so as to not wear out the Nissan unit.

LOL! No, I didn't know that. This is a potential holiday gift for my husband, he had a battery-charged air compressor for maintaining our tires, but the battery doesn't hold a charge anymore (sound familiar in the Texas heat?), so I was going to replace it with a non-battery version. But now that I think of it, I don't remember seeing a tire kit anywhere in my car (pre-owned). Is it hiding somewhere that I don't know about?

 

[TonyWilliams]

Yes, the LEAF air compressor is in the left rear compartment. It's German built, and works well.

 

[Stanton]

All the "emergency tire equipment" is tucked inside a compartment on the left side of the hatchback (inside the car of course). There's a couple of plastic latches to open the "door". I keep a first aid kit back there along with a metric wrench in case I need to disconnect the 12V battery (which I never have). BTW, throw that can of tire sealant goop away: it ruins the tire sensor and frees up some room for other "stuff".

 

[Nubo]

Yeah Tony, I've seen adapters you can use (a little more graceful than using the bare wires) that have little alligator clamps on the ends where you can attached a 12v plug directly to the car battery. That's a good solution too.

I noticed this on the same Amazon page in the "cutomers also bought...."

http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Battery-Clip-On-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B00065L2D8/ref=pd_sim_auto_2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One advantage besides saving time, is that you retain the fuse potection that is (hopefully) built-in to the 12V plug.

 

[vrwl]

Yeah Tony, I've seen adapters you can use (a little more graceful than using the bare wires) that have little alligator clamps on the ends where you can attached a 12v plug directly to the car battery. That's a good solution too.

I noticed this on the same Amazon page in the "cutomers also bought...."

http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Battery-Clip-On-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B00065L2D8/ref=pd_sim_auto_2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One advantage besides saving time, is that you retain the fuse potection that is (hopefully) built-in to the 12V plug.

Yes, those are the ones I was referring to.

 

[davewill]

I bought a 120v compressor for home, and rely on the Nissan one for use away from the house (which I've not had to use). It's amazing how much quieter and faster even a small one like this is compared to the 12v ones.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-RP4100-Air-Compressor/p576.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[vrwl]

Yes, the LEAF air compressor is in the left rear compartment. It's German built, and works well.

Ah ha! I must go investigate!

 

[vrwl]

I bought a 120v compressor for home, and rely on the Nissan one for use away from the house (which I've not had to use). It's amazing how much quieter and faster even a small one like this is compared to the 12v ones.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-RP4100-Air-Compressor/p576.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Davewill, how long is the electrical cord for that unit? For garage use, it would be great to have one with a cord we could plug into the wall, that would be even better than the one with the cigarette lighter plug.

 

[vrwl]

I bought a 120v compressor for home, and rely on the Nissan one for use away from the house (which I've not had to use). It's amazing how much quieter and faster even a small one like this is compared to the 12v ones.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-RP4100-Air-Compressor/p576.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Davewill, how long is the electrical cord for that unit? For garage use, it would be great to have one with a cord we could plug into the wall, that would be even better than the one with the cigarette lighter plug.

Oops, never mind. I found a site that lists the cord lengths.... 7 feet for the electrical cord, 5 feet for the air cord

 

[smkettner]

Ok, here's a question for you "engineer-types". I'd like to purchase this item http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012WHBSO but I am concerned about using in the power plug port on my LEAF. The product says it's 15 Amp, but I checked the manual for the car and it says on page 2-49 (2011) that the Power Port is 10 Amp. Is there any way I can use this plugged into my car? Or will I need to purchase something additional to make it a workable situation? Obviously, I don't want to fry my car.

I have and reccomend this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV...&ie=UTF8&qid=1353020291&sr=1-1&keywords=mv-50

Clamps direct on the 12v battery.

 

[DaveinOlyWA]

bought this at huge clearance sale/store closing from Sears about 15 years ago. still works great!