Does a phone charger deplete car battery still, when phone not connected ?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 494
Likes: 13
From: Amber waves of grain.
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
Does a phone charger deplete car battery still, when phone not connected ?
Does a phone charger deplete car battery, still, when phone not connected ?
More precisely, if wired to a constant hot lead, does a phone charger deplete the car battery still, when the phone is not connected ?
I intend to wire in a dedicated phone charger with a USB interface, so that I can keep the ash tray hatch closed.
I can wire it to a switched hot lead by connecting it to the cigarette lighter leads,
or
I can wire it into a non-switched hot lead, so that, after I shut off the ignition, I can leave the phone or other device in the car to charge while I am away.
I would like to wire it into a non-switched hot lead.
I know that all phone chargers have a component that steps down the voltage from 12V to 5V. I am thinking that this means that the device is constantly burning off current, even if a phone is not connected to the charger.
So, if wired to a constant hot lead, does a phone charger deplete the car battery still, when the phone is not connected?
Device:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261096670741...84.m1439.l2649
More precisely, if wired to a constant hot lead, does a phone charger deplete the car battery still, when the phone is not connected ?
I intend to wire in a dedicated phone charger with a USB interface, so that I can keep the ash tray hatch closed.
I can wire it to a switched hot lead by connecting it to the cigarette lighter leads,
or
I can wire it into a non-switched hot lead, so that, after I shut off the ignition, I can leave the phone or other device in the car to charge while I am away.
I would like to wire it into a non-switched hot lead.
I know that all phone chargers have a component that steps down the voltage from 12V to 5V. I am thinking that this means that the device is constantly burning off current, even if a phone is not connected to the charger.
So, if wired to a constant hot lead, does a phone charger deplete the car battery still, when the phone is not connected?
Device:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261096670741...84.m1439.l2649
Last edited by Pancho; Oct 20, 2012 at 04:43 PM. Reason: coma
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
The charger will use a small amount of current when not charging a device, because the regulator circuit inside the charger is always on.
However, with no load connected, the power used is fairly low.
Max Non-load Consumption: 0.5% of full-load power
The 24x7 current is likely 15mA (.015A).
A typical car battery would be capable of powering a device, using that amount of current, for at least 200 days, without requiring a charge.
If you have a multi-meter, connect it between the 12V system and charger to see the actual current draw.
However, with no load connected, the power used is fairly low.
Max Non-load Consumption: 0.5% of full-load power
The 24x7 current is likely 15mA (.015A).
A typical car battery would be capable of powering a device, using that amount of current, for at least 200 days, without requiring a charge.
If you have a multi-meter, connect it between the 12V system and charger to see the actual current draw.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
I think what Serndipity is trying to say is 'No' ! lol
Think about the side lights that Mercedes are designed to be left on for hours when parked in the street (either left or right side) so your charger will be fine !
Think about the side lights that Mercedes are designed to be left on for hours when parked in the street (either left or right side) so your charger will be fine !
