12v DC wiring question - a few cigarette lighter sockets to add to the boat
- Thread starter niccapotamus
- Start date
rogerthebodger
Well-Known Member
316 wont help there either....... electrolysis!
All the 316 I have below the waterline is all OK no problem at all if the design is right.
VicS
Well-Known Member
But we were talking about electrical sockets. I guess you dont have them underwater.
NickTrevethan
Well-Known Member
Has anyone asked what you want to run on your sockets?
I have 12 volt Hella sockets all over our boat, and nothing to plug into them. I have pulled out a couple and replaced them with twin USB type sockets.
For a lot of household type gear - phones, etc, I'd go with the USB. Not sure is VHF portables are USB chargeable yet, so z cigar type might be required.
In terms of how to connect - it depends on how much you plan to draw - running a 12 volt hairdryer might overheat the existing cable, but for lighter loads you should be able to link of the studs that you describe.
It;s probably worth seeing how much power you can potentially draw - ie everything on, and check that the cable that supplies the panel can carry that, and more.
I'd also consider fitting a fuse in that main feed cable too as an additional precaution.
cheers
Nick
I have 12 volt Hella sockets all over our boat, and nothing to plug into them. I have pulled out a couple and replaced them with twin USB type sockets.
For a lot of household type gear - phones, etc, I'd go with the USB. Not sure is VHF portables are USB chargeable yet, so z cigar type might be required.
In terms of how to connect - it depends on how much you plan to draw - running a 12 volt hairdryer might overheat the existing cable, but for lighter loads you should be able to link of the studs that you describe.
It;s probably worth seeing how much power you can potentially draw - ie everything on, and check that the cable that supplies the panel can carry that, and more.
I'd also consider fitting a fuse in that main feed cable too as an additional precaution.
cheers
Nick
erich4898
New Member
I too have fitted fag lighter sockets in a boat and they are ok especially for low output items. You can get them with small built in switches on them. take a pos+ wire from your main supply, pass it through a 20A fuse block then take it to the central connector of the socket. Take a neg- wire to the outside connector of the socket. Job done!! A quick spray of WD40 into the socket, let it dry fully before connecting to power. This will help to stop rust forming in the socket..
symondo
Well-Known Member
All depends what you were using them for.
I wired ours onto switches so they could be activated/turned off in case of leaving items plugged in by accident.
Most 12v items will be fine for a usual fitment but if your adding 2 or 3 sockets, make sure each socket is fused appropriately.... and more importantly the feed from + and also the - needs to be an appropriate gauge of cable.
We haven't had any issues with them inside our motorboat, for phones, tablets, music etc.
We also have a car radio on board. The reception is non existent and i cant figure out why. The cd changer is of use, but with a plug in fm transmitter on an ipod, it again removes the need for a cd changer.
I wired ours onto switches so they could be activated/turned off in case of leaving items plugged in by accident.
Most 12v items will be fine for a usual fitment but if your adding 2 or 3 sockets, make sure each socket is fused appropriately.... and more importantly the feed from + and also the - needs to be an appropriate gauge of cable.
We haven't had any issues with them inside our motorboat, for phones, tablets, music etc.
We also have a car radio on board. The reception is non existent and i cant figure out why. The cd changer is of use, but with a plug in fm transmitter on an ipod, it again removes the need for a cd changer.
Tintin
Well-Known Member
If you can, go for the twin outlet versions where one of the outlets is 2 x usb - vvvvv useful.
I would run a new power feed to your new switch panel, and go with 4mm2 cable, and then 2.5mm2 cable to each outlet seperately rather than as a sort of 12v ring main.
Some will question the cable thickness but with hugh draw items like vac cleaners and those electric dinghy inflaters, the last thing you want is cables hidden away getting soft insulation. (Dont ask how I know!)
Also make sure the -ve is done in the same guage cable.
Good luck.
I would run a new power feed to your new switch panel, and go with 4mm2 cable, and then 2.5mm2 cable to each outlet seperately rather than as a sort of 12v ring main.
Some will question the cable thickness but with hugh draw items like vac cleaners and those electric dinghy inflaters, the last thing you want is cables hidden away getting soft insulation. (Dont ask how I know!)
Also make sure the -ve is done in the same guage cable.
Good luck.
SAMYL
Well-Known Member
Be sure that the polarity of the wiring connections is correct or you may fry whatever you plug into it.
The +ve goes to the central connection and -ve to the casing.
Don't, as suggested above, spray it with WD 40 to stop it rusting - it won't. If anything it will make it rust faster.
The +ve goes to the central connection and -ve to the casing.
Don't, as suggested above, spray it with WD 40 to stop it rusting - it won't. If anything it will make it rust faster.