摘要 |
A mobile power center with self-retracting cord includes an enclosure having a mounting surface which is attachable to the bumper of a vehicle and a front surface having a recessed area for attachment of a license plate. Within the enclosure, a reel carries an extension cord on a spring-powered spindle that allows manual extension and automatic retraction of the cord. Where the length of the cord exceeds the length which may be carried by the reel, first and second cord restraints, carried on opposed sides of the enclosure, support additional cord wrapped around the enclosure. The first and second three-prong sockets of a dual socket receptacle are wired in parallel to the inner end of the extension cord. In a first mode of operation, a block heater, mounted on the vehicle, may be plugged into a first socket, while a trouble light or tool may be plugged into the second socket. AC power from a remote source is supplied by the extension cord. In a second mode of operation, a 12 VDC to 120 VAC converter, mounted in the engine compartment and powered by the vehicle, may be plugged into a recessed male receptacle. A tool or light may then be plugged into either socket of a standard female receptacle. Where an electrical load is remotely located, the outer end of the extension cord may be extended, with a female to female adapter attached, thereby providing power to the remote load.
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