cigar plugs onboard

[McNab]

Bought a cigar socket to fit on board for charging mobile telephone, using with halogen search light etc.

But then had second thoughts, they aren't very good are they? In my car, I always have to wiggle the plug to find one position where it works.

Not very reliable in a sticky situation. Comments please what plugs and sockets are best?

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[jimkirby]

They do feel wrong in part because they are sprung so that when you push them in they are against a spring and they feel as though thye will pop out.
The best ones i have found are on ICOM kit -but I get the feeling they are pricey.
I have a couple of ones bought through a chandler which are made in sweden(no brand name) which arent too fiddly to wire and so far have stayed in place.

avoid ones from Halfords is probably a good scheme!

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[jerryat]

Hi!

Yes, I know how you feel re the 'wiggling'!! They are one of my pet hates and I think they're a lousy solution for a boat connection. I immediately removed the one that the previous owner of my boat had installed on my boat.

They look awful and, as you imply, corrosion and other difficulties lead to all sorts of problems. One of my friends tells me that stainless steel versions are now available. Fine, but definitely not for me!

Mini rant over!!

Good sailing!

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[Rabbie]

I agree entirely. Having 'wiggled' for years I gave up last year and changed to small 2-flat-pin plugs from the caravan shop. You obviously have to fit a socket too, but they are comparable in price to good 'cigar' types. Far superior jobbies.
Rab.

<hr width=100% size=1>A day not spent on my boat is a day in my life wasted.

 

[Guest]

Have used 'em for years ....... the problem with the 'wiggle' is often the plug - not the socket. If you have been supplied different end pieces - try the longest pin version.

I also have double outlet plug into the near cockpit socket ..... allows me to run 2 items for it. It has a red LED indicating when power is available ..... so again an answer to your 'wiggle'.

BUT they are not resistant to damp conditions - but are easily replaced and inexpensive in Maplins etc. Another advantage is that most power cords / items related to 12V are already fitted with suitable plugs ..... why change ??


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[Guest]

I have these as well .... but they corrode internally on the 'spring' retainer holding the wire in place and the contact.

I still recc'd them though - but wouldn't say they are better than correctly fitting cigar lighter jobs ..... note that there are about 3 different end pin types - so the right one sorts this wiggle problem - also cleaning the 'negative tube' contact of the socket .....


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[LadyInBed]

I have five of them spread around the boat. The sockets are OK but the plugs vary a hell of a lot.

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[MainlySteam]

I agree that the main problem is the variability of the plugs, the cheap ones tending to be a problem (including one on a manufacturer's premade cord that would not fit into the standard socket.

One can source the sockets for marine use - have no idea of the materials inside - but have never had a problem with them myself. Obviously unsuitable, just like any of the normal alternatives, if they are going to get wet.

John

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[andyball]

plastimo , maplin & towsure among others, sell a decent socket with rubber cover....but as others have said, the plugs vary greatly in how well they fit.

Din sockets much better imo.

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[PhilF]

I saw some in mercury marina chandelery the other day, the plug and socket lock together, the socket was about £25 from memory, bit of a pricey solution

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[capsco]

You could always use proper plug and sockets ie 5amp 3pin[just like domestic type]

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[cliff]

Do whay I did - buy maplin sockets and matching plugs - no problems with "wiggling" the plug and the led version of the plug is cheap compared to the swindlery price for inferior products

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[Colinl]

Just returned from crewing on a delivery trip to Spain We had 2 Maplins sockets on board perfect fit for phone charger and (Maplins) converter for the computer also used an inverter pluged into them, no wiggling need highly recommened.

Colin

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[Colinl]

Maplins sockets = cigar sockets not to be confussed with any other type of socket

Colin

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[cliff]

Maplins have the rubber cap as well to help keep the crud out.

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[Oldhand]

There is a similar looking but much better co-axial DC plug and socket system which I have been using for over 13 years on yachts without the slightest problem. I don't know the proper description but they are available from caravan accessory stores. Sockets can be obtained with or without spring loaded hinged covers (with recommended) and the contacts are made from a non-corroding brass type alloy. The "spring" pressure of the contacts is good and needs no "waggling".

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