Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

115 volt outlet

Jump to Latest
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
P

Paul Robinson

· Registered
Joined
·
3 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am interested in purchasing a Ridgeline. Does anyone know if the 115 volt electrical outlet is suitable for running power tools like drills, circular saws, routers, etc? Or is it just for electronics like laptops? I would like the convenience of an 115 volt, outlet but do not know if the outlet was designed for this kind of demand. Also the RT is really all that I need, but apparently the 115 volt outlet only comes on the RTL model. I'm curious if the outlet/inverter could be purchased separately and installed later on the RT as a mod. Thanks for your time.

Paul
 
#3 ·
Our '09 Pilot has the 115 volt outlet. Here's what the owner's manual says:

"The maximum capacity for this power outlet is 115 volt AC at 100 watts or less. If you use an appliance which requires more than 100 watts, it automatically stops supplying the power.

Note: The AC power outlet is not designed for electric appliances which require high initial peak wattage such as cathode-ray tube type televisions, refrigerators, electric pumps, etc. It is also not suitable for devices that process precise data such as medical equipment or measuring instruments. Any appliances that require an extremely stable power supply such as microcomputer-controlled electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc., should not be connected to this outlet."

I would assume the Ridgeline outlet would be the same. Basically, LCD televisions, laptops, video games, and DVD players ought to be OK. I'm not sure that the wattage limit could handle drills, saws, routers, etc. Check the label. The worst case scenario would be that the outlet would shut off, which requires you to cut the engine off & restart it (which resets the outlet)...

BTW, I bought a 100 watt Black and Decker inverter for about $30 at WalMart...
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#5 · (Edited)
Here is a FAQ about inverters and here is the usage chart that will give you some idea of how many watts each would need.
The FAQ is good... "Modified Sine Wave and Pure Sine Wave" is explained.

100Watts ain't much. :(
You'd think that Honda would've put a beefier one in their only truck. :rolleyes:




* Appliances and tools with induction motors (marked * in tables) may require from 3 to 7 times the listed wattage when starting. The start-up load of the appliance or tool determines whether an inverter has the capability to power it. Be sure to check the specific wattage requirements and operating instructions for appliances / tools to be used.

F.Y.I. ..... (conversion formula: Watts ÷ 120 = Amps ........ Amps x 120 = Watts)
 

Attachments

#6 ·
You will need to have a large after market power inverter installed for the kind of power you want. Inverters are available at Northern Tool and Equipment and many other stores, they are not cheap (~$250.00 for 1500W). Be careful with the high power output inverters, they could exceed the power output of the automobiles electrical system.
 
#8 ·
c_duncan_pe said:
Be careful with the high power output inverters, they could exceed the power output of the automobiles electrical system.
Click to expand...
Good point!
If others have thoughts of simply replacing their OEM inverters with a higher-wattage, aftermarket one (to use the existing outlet), it may be wise to check into the specs (limits) of the existing wiring, as well.

BTW, Welcome to the ROC, Paul! :)
 
#10 ·
Paul Robinson said:
Maybe Honda will supply a real 115-volt outlet if they ever produce a hybrid version of the Ridgeline (with a beefy nickel-hydride, or lithium battery). Thank you fella's for all of your input, and information.

Paul
Click to expand...
BTW Paul, Honda makes great small engined generators.;):D
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#13 ·
hifromroger said:
Does the outlet work when the vehicle is not running? Was hoping the outlet would only be live when the vehicle is running and the alternator supplying power and turn off when the vehicle is not running to protect the battery.
Click to expand...
G2 Ridgelines equipped with the optional inverter have an in-cab button to turn the inverter on and off. It defaults to OFF, but can be turned ON when the Ridgeline is either in accessory mode or run mode. So the inverter can be turned on with the engine off, but the default is that the inverter is off.

Image
 
#14 ·
Wisconsin_Mike said:
G2 Ridgelines equipped with the optional inverter have an in-cab button to turn the inverter on and off. It defaults to OFF, but can be turned ON when the Ridgeline is either in accessory mode or run mode. So the inverter can be turned on with the engine off, but the default is that the inverter is off.

View attachment 469497
Click to expand...
This question is about the Gen1, not the Gen2.
hifromroger said:
Does the outlet work when the vehicle is not running? Was hoping the outlet would only be live when the vehicle is running and the alternator supplying power and turn off when the vehicle is not running to protect the battery.
Click to expand...
The 115V on the Gen1 RTL only working when the engine is running or you place the key in the "ON (II) position."
 
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
About this Discussion
13 Replies
12 Participants
Last post:
McChizzle
Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums
posts
1.4M
members
98K
Since
2004
Honda Ridgeline Owners Club, forum community to discuss reviews, accessories, performance, care, mods, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Second Generation Ridgeline (2G 2017+) 1G Problems & Issues General Honda Ridgeline Discussions Shoppin' and Test Drivin' 2G Problems, Fixes & TSB's