cigar/cigarette lighter sockets: good quality replacement plugs for them?

[BobnLesley]

We have several 12V cigar lighter sockets scattered around the boat's interior, but I've a couple of items whose plugs are very tired, one being the power inverter unit that this computer's running on now.

The replacements which I've bought in the past (online) have all proved to be cheap'n'nasty with tiny little points to solder to making it difficult to even make a solid, long-lasting connection to them; can anybody point me towards a source of decent ones, preferably something that I can fit using spade or bullet terminals between the cable and unit?

It's a UK source we're after, as we'll be home shortly for a few weeks and will collect them then.

 

[pmagowan]

We have several 12V cigar lighter sockets scattered around the boat's interior, but I've a couple of items whose plugs are very tired, one being the power inverter unit that this computer's running on now.

The replacements which I've bought in the past (online) have all proved to be cheap'n'nasty with tiny little points to solder to making it difficult to even make a solid, long-lasting connection to them; can anybody point me towards a source of decent ones, preferably something that I can fit using spade or bullet terminals between the cable and unit?

It's a UK source we're after, as we'll be home shortly for a few weeks and will collect them then.

This is whereI got mine: http://www.asap-supplies.com/marine/power-sockets-and-accessory-plugs

Good quality in a very difficult environment on my leaky boat.

 

[theoldsalt]

I have used this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Marinco-S...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item33929c6d40

The plug and socket set is available at Force4 and TCS

http://www.force4.co.uk/1052/Sealink-Plug---Socket-Set--15Amp.html
http://www.tcschandlery.co.uk/marinco-sealink-12v-plug-receptacle/p7236

It is important to get a plug with as high a current rating as possible. I find the cheap ones (usually low current capacity) get very hot and soon "burn out".

 

[nigelmercier]

I'm gradually going over to this type: http://amzn.to/WL9K3S
Also available with switch: http://amzn.to/WLaLZN

 

[Laurie]

I searched online and found someone who specialised in off road stuff, probably type in Land Rover electrics or something...anyway they supplied some really nice stuff, sockets and plugs. Sorry I cant remember whom, but a few minutes searching should bring them or similar up?

 

[Beyondhelp]

IMHO this type of plug really needs binning and re-engineering as soon as possible. Its really not suited to modern day demands. Not sure it ever has been to be honest. I'm surprised its not happened yet, but there has to be a better way.

 

[Giblets]

The best 12v cig lighter type sockets/plugs for marine use are Marinco Sealink. The sockets work with any standard 12v plug and, if used with the matching Sealink plug, are waterproof.

Certainly not the cheapest but, IMHO, the best. :encouragement:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MARINCO-12VPK-SEALINK-PLUG-RECEPTACLE/dp/B00J4HYRB8

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

There used to be small 2-pin plugs and sockets, perhaps an inch and a half in diameter, for loudspeaker equipment. I suggest sourcing some of these and converting all your 12v onboard appliances to work on these, keeping perhaps one or two standard 12v sockets for visitors phone chargers etc. They would certainly be more durable than the car-type plugs which don't even last very long in cars!

 

[mdonnelly]

I'm gradually going over to this type: http://amzn.to/WL9K3S
Also available with switch: http://amzn.to/WLaLZN

What are the benefits of these Type?

 

[nigelmercier]

I'm gradually going over to this type: http://amzn.to/WL9K3S
Also available with switch: http://amzn.to/WLaLZN

What are the benefits of these Type?

They are very robust, easily take 10A, they stay in the socket, the two negative contacts are joined ...

 

[David2452]

From the point of view of somebody who is regularly having to remove all sorts of variants of these abominations and you have to keep using them instead of something better suited to life on board. http://www.bluesea.com/products/1015/12_Volt_Plug_with_Dash_Socket are the best available, but only if your criteria is primarily that they work and continue to work and not the foregoing + low cost.