MinnBobber

Hi,
I searched the MB site and cannot find an answer.
I got the MB optional DC-AC plugin where you can use
your 110V AC items.
What is the max wattage that can handle?
Thanks

beshannon

Page 321 of the manual

the maximum wattage of the device to be connected must not exceed 150 watts

noka

Anyone find this option a "must-have"? I can't think of anything I really need to charge or otherwise plug into 115V AC in my car. I have a small air compressor but it runs off 12V. If I need to charge my phone, I'll plug it into 12V or whatever USB port might be available. I'm not sure I like the idea of 115V AC wiring in my car, especially in case of an accident. That's my feeling about it but if I'm missing some extremely useful purpose, I'd be interested to know, since I have the possibility to order it (or maybe get a car that already has that option).

ss3964spd

I've used the 110 in my car only twice, and that was for a 110V mobile phone charger from home.

Supporting only 150 watts makes it all but useless really, as that equals a bit less than 1.5 amps @ 110V. There's an DC/AC inverter in there somewhere. Fine for charging a phone, laptop, or tablet, probably not so for even a small compressor.

BeachBunny

I'm putting it in my car with the idea of it being nice to have. If I really start using it I'll replace the inverter portion of it with a quality 600 watt sine-wave inverter.

noka

Just don't tell your insurance company when your car goes up in smoke!

ss3964spd

Sounds like you may be a boater, BB, or just an electronics nerd.

Would take more than an inverter change; wiring, the outlet itself too, before you could pull any sizeable load through it.

Isn't the outlet a simple two prong? I didn't look at mine very close.

Dan

BeachBunny

Considering all of the satellite & news trucks I've built over the years, if anything goes up in smoke, it'll be Benz's OEM equipment which does of its own volition, not my addition of a beefier inverter + wiring.

I'm also curious to take it apart as, per the technical docs, there's apparently something inside it which tells the eco start/stop NOT to engage. This might lead to being able to permanently disable eco start/stop for those who don't like it. If it's a microswitch, it'd be as simple as plugging in a cheater plug into the outlet.

noka

I was only jokng, of course! I'm glad you obviously know enough to consider other aspects like wiring, plug and connector specifications I'm an electrical engineer (my original schooling anyway) and, while confident in my abilities, I would be a bit reserved about changing out such components while the car is so new and still under warranty. Beyond that... who knows. The start/stop idea is interesting. In my current ride, I just hit the defeat button on the dash when I start the engine (...unless I forget and then do it on the fly).

Live Oak

I do NOT like crap hanging out of the cigarette lighter outlets.

I much prefer to charge my phone via the 115V outlet facing the back seat. Smaller hookup, out of the way. And it uses the charger I take into the hotel at night if necessary.

thefisch

Exactly what I do. Very convenient.

wanderfalke

Where do members here typically charge their laptops and phones if the 110 volt option was not selected.. I do not have 110v.

Airmousam

I charge my thinkpad with a car charger 12v. I try to use the backseat one as Like others I don't like wires up front

I had an AC outlet in a previous car and tried to use it for my coffee maker during a power outage....bad idea...blew the fuse....I would have been a hero that morning if it worked ;-)

noka

Heaters draw lots of current.

Airmousam

Yup, expectation were very low

BeachBunny

That's where you just bite the bullet and pay $25 for one of these:
Slow (only 150 watts), but they do work.

Airmousam

Good find!!

Bender5

Has anyone completed the installation of this upgrade. I'very got the inverter, cable and 115v outlet but I can figure out how the receptacle is secured in the ashtray area. Went to MB dealer and the parts guy was no help.