12V socket replacement

[neil1967]

I have a couple of 12v 'cigarette lighter' sockets on board to connect accessories. The fit is a bit sloppy, but for low power applications (phone charging etc) this doesn't appear to be a problem; however, SWMBO has a 12v electric blanket for when it's chilly but it's not worth firing up the Makuni. The 12v plug and socket get very (too) hot, to the extent that one of the sockets shows signs of melting inside. I would be grateful for any recommendations for a suitable alternative plug/socket combination that I could use with high power devices.

Neil

 

[Spi D]

What consumption does the blanket have? Apparently your fuse doesn't blow so that must be large enough to cope.

These connectors are made by many manufacturers to various specs and some doesn't even bother to state Amps.
I've seen 10A and a few 20A sockets but that is only part of the story. Proper sizing of wires and clean/firm connection is key to running cool(ish).

Edit: To your actual question, connectors designed for electric trolling motors are way more robust - properly dimensioned wires still crucial

 

[nigelmercier]

I use connectors like this for high current applications

http://r.ebay.com/2ExlHU

 

[Spyro]

Sounds like quite a power draw on your batteries. Get her a couple of hot water bottles

 

[Richard10002]

I have a couple of 12v 'cigarette lighter' sockets on board to connect accessories. The fit is a bit sloppy, but for low power applications (phone charging etc) this doesn't appear to be a problem; however, SWMBO has a 12v electric blanket for when it's chilly but it's not worth firing up the Makuni. The 12v plug and socket get very (too) hot, to the extent that one of the sockets shows signs of melting inside. I would be grateful for any recommendations for a suitable alternative plug/socket combination that I could use with high power devices.

Neil

Firstly you need to STOP using the electric blanket until you have sorted your wiring out!!! Otherwise your boat will catch fire and you will both die!! It is very much worth firing up the Mikuni!!

How many Amps does the blanket draw, (it will say on its' label, or instructions)?

Make sure the cables from battery to blanket can cope with perhaps double the number of amps it might draw, fuse the route appropriately, and fit a specialised robust socket for it. When sorting the wiring, dont forget anything else that might be on at the same time will increase the amps at various points in the wiring.

 

[dgadee]

I use connectors like this for high current applications

http://r.ebay.com/2ExlHU

Is this one part or two part connector? Looks like just one.

I am after something for my dinghy pump. The pump takes up to 25a and ideally I would like to have a socket into which I could plug it in the anchor locker. Maybe I should start another thread ....

 

[Spyro]

Is this one part or two part connector? Looks like just one.

I am after something for my dinghy pump. The pump takes up to 25a and ideally I would like to have a socket into which I could plug it in the anchor locker. Maybe I should start another thread ....

25amps !!! Hope you have some heafty cabling.

 

[dgadee]

25amps !!! Hope you have some hefty cabling.

I know. It's just a Rule inflatable pump, but I'm a bit reluctant to use it far from the battery.

 

[theoldsalt]

The commomly used "cigar lighter" plug and socket design is not controlled by internationally recognised standards so plugs and sockets from different manufacturers do not fit well.

The Hella design however is controlled by a DIN standard and is a better design.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370847369626?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[LadyInBed]

I would use something like a T plug and socket

http://www.rangevideo.com/battery-p...nector-t-plug-socket-with-t-deans-1-pair.html

 

[alanwilson]

Absolutely DO NOT use a cigarette lighter socket for anything taking more than about 5 amps unless you need to collect the insurance on the boat. If any electric sockets or wire get hot, stop using them! Have a look at Bulgin Buccaneer waterproof plugs & sockets, eg at http://www.rapidonline.com/cables-connectors/buccaneer-ip68-threaded-couplings-63567 : I've standardised on these in 2 & 3-pin versions & confirm they are waterproof. Rated to 10a but take 20a without getting even warm.
You must also ensure the cable is sized correctly: eg http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html .
Then the cable run must be fused with a fuse rated at not much higher than the total load expected: remember the fuse is there not to protect the device (blanket), but to protect the boat by blowing instead of the wiring getting red-hot if there is a short-circuit.
But the idea of an electric blanket on a boat is worrying: use a decent heater eg Wallas and hot-water bottles instead!

 

[nigelmercier]

I would use something like a T plug and socket

AKA Deans Connectors

 

[neil1967]

Thanks for all the ideas/advice. To clarify slightly, the 2 12v sockets share a circuit breaker rated at 10A, and the cabling between the circuit breaker and the sockets is of adequate/appropriate size. It is not the wiring that is the issue, it is the poor fit of the cigarette lighter plug and socket combination when drawing around 4-5A. The Bulgin Buccaneer plugs look a little over engineered for the task, but the Hella DIN sockets look ideal.

 

[laika]

I use connectors like this for high current applications

Anderson connector, yes? What's your preferred method for keeping the wires attached to the terminals? Fill them with solder and shove the wire in or do you have a special crimp tool?

 

[DavidGrieves]

Throw the electric blanket away and buy SHMBO a better sleeping bag and hot water bottle... What size is your battery bank? I'd be worried about repeated battery drain and ruining the batteries.