I've noticed in the handbook that some Focuses come with an optional power inverter in the centre console. I've been thinking of getting an inverter anyway for various purposes, but both of my power sockets (one near the cup holders, one in the armrest compartment) are 10A only, and most inverters are 150w, which is about 12.5A. My car doesn't have the cigarette lighter, which would be 15A. Does anyone know if the wiring is provided for an inverter if one isn't fitted? The fuse box has a missing fuse for one.

Hi Chris,

I have the power inverter option fitted in my ST. I'm sure i have read somewhere that it is a different loom in the centre console but I am not 100% sure on this. I'm pretty sure someone mentioned it in a guide to do with the USB port in the arm rest. I don't see why you couldn't fit the new loom in the centre console though.

Thanks. Can't find the particular thread on it, but I've been thinking that the inverter is probably placed near the battery, with the high voltage (low current) wiring running to the centre console, and it's probably the mains voltage wiring missing on ones not fitted with the inverter. Do you know where the inverter is fitted on yours? I'm hoping there might be a connector for it somewhere, then all I need is a suitable inverter, wire it in and run some 240v wiring to a socket, or alternatively just plug directly into it.

To be honest I've never had the centre console apart to have a look. It may even be in the arm rest as I know that cars that have this option fitted have a considerably less deep arm rest storage compartment.

The inverter fits into the rear panel of the centre console.

The socket faces the rear seats and a plastic plate screws to the top of the inverter forming (as stated above) a shallower armrest storage box.

For what it would cost from Ford for the rear and inner panels plus the inverter and wiring you'd be better served buying an inverter that plugs into a 12v lighter socket.

I was planning on getting a none Ford inverter and just wiring it in, possibly with a socket on the back of the centre console or possibly elsewhere. Just wondering if any of the wiring is likely to be in place to make life easier. What I might do is fit one somewhere around the passenger foot well, wired off the fuse that would supply the stock inverter. Whatever I do it will be once it's a bit warmer and dryer.

Just to clarify, if no inverter is fitted there will not be a wire for it hidden away.

You could take the power for the invertor straight off the battery, via an inline fuse