Solar Panel connection via Cigarette Lighter Adapter

[truscott]

Hi, It probably is a stupid question, but is it possible to wire in a Solar Panel via a Cigarette Lighter Adapter?

I am thinking of lashing one of these on top my Bimini next time we are on the boat; http://www.ecrater.com/p/7418194/sunflex-80w-flexible-solar-panel-80#

But, as the boat is usually in charter, I don't wish to leave the panel on the boat, and therefore don't want to hard wire the panel in. I have an outlet at the starboard helm, and am thinking that if it is possible, the easiest option would be to make up a short lead to run from the panel, to the outlet (I can use cable ties to make it a little neater too).

Big question is, is it do-able? Smaller questions are, will this affect anything else, as I assume that the outlet runs through the switch panel and fuses before it reaches the battery (this may not be the case as the outlet may be an aftermarket item).

All feedback gratefully sought.

Cheers, PT.

 

[VicS]

Ordinary cigarette lighter type sockets can make poor and unreliable contact.

There are versions in which the plug locks into the socket which would be better

You need to determine how the existing one is wired. Ideally for a solar panel it needs to be connected directly to the battery rather than through switches, even the isolator, so that it is always live. Then you will probably not want it at the helm.

Personally in your situation I'd wire in a more suitable type of socket direct to the battery via a fuse and a hidden switch, that only you will know about, specifically for the purpose. Label it "solar panel only"

 

[truscott]

Just realized that the existing one must be wired direct as the outlet is live even with the instruments switched off (unless it is daisy chained off the engine panel, but that only works when the engine is running and the alternator relay is switched on.... so chances are it isn't).

Time to look at the wiring diagram I think.

If the outlet is wired direct, is it possible to chain off of it (assuming I put a fuse in for the new connector and that the Panel has a diode already)?

Cheers, PT.

 

[vyv_cox]

I have done exactly this on my motorhome when leaving it for extended periods. I wired in an additional socket and fuse, as the standard ones are only active when the ignition is on. As said, the standard cigarette plugs and sockets are pretty poor but the DIN version, 10 mm socket I think, are far more reliable. 10 watt panels inside the roof hatches kept the batteries up well after five or six months.

 

[Sire]

There is a slightly beefier version that is commonly found in trucks, alongside the regular cigarette lighter type socket. They are colloquially referred to as 'Hella plugs' but I think this is rather like referring to a vacuum cleaner as a Hoover.

The normal cigarette lighter type has a tendancy to melt when used in conjunction with fridges and the like that draw a lot of current. The 'Hella' type however is much more reliable, and would therefore probably be a better choice for your application too.

Here's a 20A one from Maplin:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/15-amp-standard-hella-plug-217741

 

[vyv_cox]

That's the DIN design I posted above. I have owned two German built motorhomes, both had this type in the living area but the Fiat base vehicle had the typical cigarette type on the dashboard. Chalk and cheese.

 

[Sire]

Indeed.
Actually I had been thinking along exactly the same lines as the OP for charging our battery too. There is a standard cigarette lighter socket hidden away in the cockpit that I was / am planning to replace with the Hella/DIN type.

 

[truscott]

Many thanks for the feedback. It's responses like this that keeps me coming back to this forum. Will organize the Hella/DIN Plug and Socket now.

Cheers again.

PT.