12V connectors

[FerrymanR]

Is there any standard for general purpose 12V connectors in marine use. At present I have a number of 12V items (laptop power supply, razor charge lead, LCD TV) that have car tyoe cigarette lighter connectors. These are not ideal or robust. I feel a winter task might be to tidy all this up with a more workmanlike connector.
Any suggestions?
Richard

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[JonA]

Might be worth looking at some of the caravan stuff. It is not as robust or waterproof as the specialised marine gear but much cheaper and should be OK below.
Jonathan

<hr width=100% size=1>JonA

 

[david_bagshaw]

There is also a common type of connector used in trucks, some what similar to a phono plug, that might help.

<hr width=100% size=1>David
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.euroboating.net>http://www.euroboating.net</A>

 

[chippie]

I have seen a stainless version of the cigarette lighter plug that aseemed ok to me.
One advantage of these is that you know that the centre is positive , unlike the old two pin type on my boat for which I never discovered a standard connection.

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[robind]

Why not use a standard " 240 volt" 5 amp,3 pin, plug and socket? works for me and available everywhere.
Rob

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.rejuvanu.com>RejuVanu</A>

 

[Strathglass]

That is what I have done. One at the chart table and one near the front cabin.
I purchased well engineered stainless ones directly from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.westmarine.com>http://www.westmarine.com</A>

Iain

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[MainlySteam]

Do you mean to say you also put three pin 230v plugs on your 12 volt appliances as well? If you do, I am glad I am 12,000 miles away.

John

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[Alex_Blackwood]

I think Robind was refering to 5amp (Round pin) 3 pin plugs and sockets, These were at one time common in both domestic and workshop circuits, along with 15amp (Round pin) 3 pin plugs and sockets. This was before the standardisation of ring main circuits and 13 amp plugs and sockets. I am reffering to the U.K.
However the theme of your post is important. SAFETY. It is imperative that what ever plug and socket is used it must be of such a design that no other equipment operating on a different voltage can be connected to it.
This is most crucial where equipment operating on a lower voltage could be connected to a higher supply voltage. However the rule must be observed whatever the supply voltage!
Some one such as RS or Maplin may be able to provide connectors with pin configurations that can be made unique to your installation. You must remember however to protect against anyone else bringing equipment on board that could be connected to the wrong voltage.


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[vyv_cox]

I use <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.driplug.co.uk/home.htm>Dri-plugs</A> for all external plugs and sockets and in two internal locations. I also have two cigar lighter adaptors for items like mobile phone chargers and suchlike.

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[coco]

I am using the series 693 connectors from http://www.binder-connector.de/e/. Absolutely great. Reliable and really waterproof (use them outside) and non corroding. Its worth the expense. They also make a small box to have the connector parallel to the mounting wall.

In the UK: http://www.quadrant-ltd.co.uk/ and http://www.quiller.com/

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by coco on 25/08/2003 12:20 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[FerrymanR]

Watch it - the old 5A 3 pin connectors (and 15A) are still use in theatrical circles for stage lighting at 230V. Some central heating systems also use them for the 230V control to the boiler solenoid valve. The potential for error is not acceptable.
Richard

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[FerrymanR]

This type of connector (Dri Plug) seems sensible. From all the replies it seems there is no real standard. Obviously the odd cigar lighter connector is useful for pre-manufactured leads like phone car adapters but for other equipment including navaids, 12V tools and appliances it would be nice to see someone formulate a standard for recreational craft and possibly caravans. That way it would be easy to transfer equipment from vessel to vessel or even for manufacturers to prewire connectors etc.
It used to be the same with multiple standards for 110V DC supplies on ships (back in the 60s), dedicated computer circuits etc.
Only problem is that by the time a standard evolves electricity will be obsolete!
Richard

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