Thread: 12v Plugs

Originally Posted by numpty

That sort of defeats the purpose doesn't it.

The whole idea of using a different type of connector is because the cig. sockets are inadequate.

I use the Hella for the versatility...

Remove the collar and they plug into the accessory sockets located throughout the vehicle.

Re-fit the collar and I can use them in any lighter socket.

I've got them fitted to everything I have thats 12V and goes in the Landy.

Generally the GPSr, Phone charger etc just run out of a multi socket (ciggie style) up front.. But its nice to be able to plug things into a Hella socket when required...

My Work lamp is the same.. Handy when using it as a camp light from the rear sockets and yet can be plugged into the lighter of any vehicle if needed.


Nothing wrong with the ones you use... Just saying I like the versatility of the Hella style (plus less bulky)

The Anderson PowerPoles are the best plugs I’ve come across for low to medium current 12 volt applications.

The 30 amp version of these are just a bit thicker that a ball point pen but unlike cigarette type power sockets which only handle up to 16 amps and Merit/Hella plugs and sockets which handle 20 amps, the PowerPoles handle 30 amps which means you are highly unlikely to ever overload them when used with a fridge or the likes.

At this point in time, the only real draw back with using theses plugs is that there is no flush mount versions available in Australia. This means they are only available in an end of cable set up.

But, in the next few weeks I hope to have a variety of flush mount fitting for these plugs, coming to me from the USA, so it should make these a good alternative for the cigarette type power sockets.

Originally Posted by Tombie2

I use the Hella for the versatility...

Remove the collar and they plug into the accessory sockets located throughout the vehicle.

Re-fit the collar and I can use them in any lighter socket.

I've got them fitted to everything I have thats 12V and goes in the Landy.

Generally the GPSr, Phone charger etc just run out of a multi socket (ciggie style) up front.. But its nice to be able to plug things into a Hella socket when required...

My Work lamp is the same.. Handy when using it as a camp light from the rear sockets and yet can be plugged into the lighter of any vehicle if needed.


Nothing wrong with the ones you use... Just saying I like the versatility of the Hella style (plus less bulky)

I know what you're saying and don't disagree, but my argument was with using them with a sleeve in an ordinary cig. socket if running a fridge or other accessory which had a higher power draw. As someone said they were doing.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

The Anderson PowerPoles.......

Powerpoles? or Multipoles? I just cannot find the 30 amp jobs on the anderson webpage anymore - superceded maybe?

Originally Posted by numpty

I know what you're saying and don't disagree, but my argument was with using them with a sleeve in an ordinary cig. socket if running a fridge or other accessory which had a higher power draw. As someone said they were doing.

If you're referring to my post - my fridge wouldn't draw more than 10a at startup so I'm not too concerned with current draw. My preference is to use it in a Hella socket because it's a much better connection and doesn't fall out but sometimes I don't have any choice.

Originally Posted by EchiDna

Powerpoles? or Multipoles? I just cannot find the 30 amp jobs on the anderson webpage anymore - superceded maybe?

Here you go mate, this is there web info on PowerPloes.

Powerpole Connectors

G'day All, I have used in Land Rovers for the past 35 years the plugs that Numpty showed, (except mine female plug is a flush fit into the panel!!) I have never in all that time had a failure, my Engel fridge had a cig/lighter type plug it was about as handy as a plough upstairs, and I'd bet money in some outback far away bloody place you couldn't get one of them fancy plugs over the counter, whereas the simple 2 pin plug most one horse towns would carry them in stock, I still have 3 in my 110 cheers Dennis

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Here you go mate, this is there web info on PowerPloes.

Powerpole Connectors

cheers Drivesafe... they look different to those on your web page though? interesting to see they have the ability to click together both vertically and horizontally... and I assume you are waiting on the "powerpole pak" style mounts?