So i'm looking for (might be the wrong name) a power inverter (?) that will connect to the 12v in the center console, and that i can hard mount into the bottom of said console, I want it to have a normal household plug, a USB port for charging the iPhone and another 12v in it... The only ones i can find are ones that plug directly into the 12v socket, and i want one that has a short wire with a switch of some sort so i can turn it on or off as needed.
EDIT: Just realized there is an electrical forum... I may as well leave this here aswell if it doesn't piss anyone off...?

 

These are very easy to come by; Amazon, auto parts stores; lots of places sell them, and some have powered USB plugs for running phones, etc. While some inverters may only be wired for the cigarette outlet, any that have an output greater than around 300 watts should have terminals for either clamping to a battery or hardwiring to an accessory switch. I think most probably have an on-off switch on the unit, but depending on where you mount it, you may want to have it hardwired to a switched source of power.

Someone posted in the electrical forum just this past week on his install under the passenger seat, which seems like a good location that won't take up valuable space in the console. It's not so hard to run wires under the carpet to a switch on the dash or A-pillar.

 

Hmm. All i could find are ones that plug directly into the socket, and don't have a cord for mounting. Am i searching under the wrong name?

 

You should just go straight from the battery instead of from the 12 v and just hook up a aux switch like one used for lights

 

Just cut off the plug and wire it through the appropriate switch directly to the battery. Be sure to add a fuse as close to the battery as possible. A 20 or 25 amp fuse for a 300 watt inverter should do it. 300/12=27amps. I'm sure there are write ups on the web and the forum.

 

Here's a link to one, which plainly shows the two terminals.
Amazon.com: Cobra CPI 480 400-Watt 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output: Car Electronics

But a previous poster is right; if what you're interested in only has a cigarette lighter adapter, just cut it and wire it in.

Also, in thinking about this a bit more, most of these units have a cooling fan, so using it in the center console (as your were considering) isn't going to work as there would be a buildup of hot air. That's why locating it under the passenger seat might be a better idea.

 

Walgreens caries a small 150 watt. I think it has rhe USB outlets also

 

Thanks for the help guys, I was searching only on Amazon.ca (i'm in Canada) and a few other Canadian websites and there is next to nothing.

 

Swing by your local Canadia Tire. They carry all sorts of different sizes and configurations of inverters.