Any alternatives to cig lighter sockets and plugs?

[Roger]

Hi Folks, I am wondering if there are any alternatives to the standard cig lighter plug sets. I want them to look ok inside a D3. The anderson plug would work, but they are bulky and ugly for mounting inside the D3. The problem stems from the fact that on occassion I run a 240 volt inverter pulling 230 watts, so thats around 19 amps @ 12volts. Now it seems the standard cig lighter is not designed to run that many amps for long periods. I have a traxide dual battery system feeding the cig lighter so the wiring and supply can handle it, but the plugs the weak point. I pulled the plug out the other day and it was super hot, the metal tip was so hot I could not touch it without burning my skin, so I figured I need to find a better system. I also think the mounted socket side might be struggling also. Any suggestions?

[Albert]

Hella make a small two pin plugs and sockets that looks ok. thay also have weatherproof sockets as well.

[drivesafe]

Hi Roger, unlike other cigarette lighter power sockets which are rated at 10 amps, the cigarette lighter power sockets I provide in my kits ( TPSE kits ) are rated at 16 amps and would only be a problem if you were running the inverter at full power but you still have the problem of rating of the plugs.

One alternative is to use either 30 amp or 45 amp Anderson PowerPoles.

The only drawback with these ( at this time ) is that they are specifically designed as an end-of-ling fitting and the only flush mount plug available is a 2 x 2 set up. Thats 2 sets of Red and Black plugs.

These can be used for only one set at a time and would be perfect for what you need.

I now have a range of 15, 30, and 45 amp Anderson PowerPoles in stock including the 2 x 2 units, I just haven’t had the time to post them up on my web site.

I’ll try to post up some pictures later.

Cheers Tim.

[dmdigital]

Hella (Merit) plugs are usually rated to 20A and are a much more reliable connection.

[camel_landy]

Yep, Hella plugs & sockets are the way to go.

They're the same sort of size as the regular cigar type ones and rated for a higher current load. On top of that, they are designed in such a way that it grips the plug so that it can't pop out.

They were also used extensively on the Camel Trophy... ;)

NOTE: If you want to change the fuse rating for an outlet, you'll probably have to change the wiring too.

HTH

M

[drivesafe]

NOTE: If you want to change the fuse rating for an outlet, you'll probably have to change the wiring too.

As Roger’s cable is rated at 60 amps, don’t think he has a problem!

[camel_landy]

Splendid... :D

It does make a big difference as I just know from experience that on my CT cars, some of the sockets are just converted cigar lighter sockets. I have to make sure I plug my inverter or air compressor into the correct ones otherwise I'm going to be changing fuses... :angel:

M

[Tote]

I've been using one of these to run my fridge and am quite happy with the performance.
Neutrik - Audio - speakON Cable Connectors - NL8FC (http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/210_93741/NL8FC_detail.aspx)

The socket is pretty unobtrusive when mounted in the back of the D3 and is rated at 30 A. There is a similar Cannon type connector but I don't think the rating was as high.

Regards,
Tote

[drivesafe]

The socket is rated at 30 A.

Hi Tote, that’s RMS, so be careful, from memory, continuos DC is a little over half that so its probably 17-18 amps constant DC.

[gps-au]

If you want to consider the Anderson Powerpole alternatives....

Powerpole™ 15/45 Panel Housing with connectors - 4 way : Anderson Power Connections, Everything Anderson (http://andersonpower.com.au/store/index.php'main_page=product_info&cPath=8_35&products_id=122)

Saw this some time back, just had to refind it....

Only problem I see is that its maybe not recessed enough to avoid knocking out the plugs with baggae etc... be great for the dash connections though :D

[drivesafe]

Hi gps-au, I have some of those in stoke and was going to put them up on my web site but the more I looked at them the less I liked them.

A good point is that they require a hole with only about half depth that a cig socket needs, but they require a square hole, not always the easiest thing for many people to cut and the PowerPoles that plug into them, stick out, so they are easily broken as one of the regulars on here has found out on a number of occasions.

To take full advantage of these you must use suitably sized cable or your just wasting your time.

If you can fit them somewhere where they won’t get knocked, they make great power supply sockets for bigger inverters and compressors.

[gps-au]

If you can fit them somewhere where they won’t get knocked, they make great power supply sockets for bigger inverters and compressors.

I have a unfused flylead of my second battery which on opening the bonnet I can grab for accessories.

I have a 50A socket at the rear (circuitbreaker) for the trailer which can be used the same. When the bull bar goes on I'll add another 50A on/in it as well.

Internally I use "rigrunners" for connecting accesories (fridge/s, etc) plus a 50A is also available internally as well ready for inverter use.

[Tote]

Hi Tote, that’s RMS, so be careful, from memory, continuos DC is a little over half that so its probably 17-18 amps constant DC.
Good point, I should read the specs more carefully but that's still plenty for a fridge.
Regards,
Tote

[drivesafe]

that's still plenty for a fridge.

Yep plenty big enough for a fridge and they are pretty robust plus they lock in place so can’t vibrate apart.