do i need to remove insulation behind new USB socket?

[nomislotsirb]

I intend to install a circular USB socket (as used in B-pillars) to the rear of the van to provide a means to charge phones, and maybe also plug-in light or fan when sleeping on our kombi bed. The van has been insulated and carpeted. I was going to shrink-wrap the connections. Do I need to remove the insulation behind as well to mitigate any fire risk?

 

[Lubrown]

I intend to install a circular USB socket (as used in B-pillars) to the rear of the van to provide a means to charge phones, and maybe also plug-in light or fan when sleeping on our kombi bed. The van has been insulated and carpeted. I was going to shrink-wrap the connections. Do I need to remove the insulation behind as well to mitigate any fire risk?

Personally I’d probably remove a small area - just for heat build up in the socket when in use. Maybe not a fire risk but I imagine heat would hamper performance and long term reliability of the socket.

 

[roadtripper]

Agree with @Lubrown here, have a bit of space so the wiring and connectors are not under mechanical stress either, possibly consider using the right angle spade connectors to help.

Also a reminder that a USB socket is an active DC-DC converter that always draws a load even with nothing plugged in, either feed it from ignition switched or make sure you have a way to turn it off when it's not being used - it's surprising when you run the numbers how quickly a small but constant load can bleed away your battery capacity.

 

[nomislotsirb]

Thanks both. The solution I've come up with at the moment is to cut the end off a used silicone tube, split the ends and bend back on one side (which will get Gorilla glued to reverse of panel, and fold in the other end. Appreciate not the best explanation, but will take photos if I remember. The socket is switched so hopefully shouldn't bleed battery. If it seems it does, I will simply remove the fuse when not camping.

 

[roadtripper]

Nice reuse of a bit of tube that would otherwise go to waste