Which 12V socket ?

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Spuddy

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Considering using a "steamer scarer" high power lamp to connect to ship's batteries. I suspect that the cig lighter socket I fitted a while ago won't pass enough amps so better put in something that will. Just phoned ASAP to find out spec for the cig type sockets they stock and reply was 10 amps - they think; but....plugs to suit only good for 3 amps. What other options are there chaps ? I haven't yet bought a lamp
 
We have a f..k o.f white strobe on top of our nav/anchor lights. I can assure you it works. We have only used it once and within a few seconds of it coming on the ship started a turn. Yes I know it's illegal which is why we never use it for anything else.
 
There are some decent cigar lighter type plugs and sockets that lock together so provide a good reliable connection if you care to hunt for them. They may not be weatherproof so may still be unsuitable for location on deck.
The ordinary stuff you find in car/caravanning accessory shops is junk.

My "steamer scarer" plugs into a normal water proof deck socket in the cockpit. An ordinary two pin Dri-plug which is I believe rated at 10amps continuous.
 
I've just bought one of these. Needs 240V or 12V power for recharging, but not for use, so can be used off the boat as well. Not vulnerable to dodgy jack plug connections. 1 million candlepower and 1.5 hours runtime per charge so should scare plenty of steamers.

Other makes are available, another poster recommends Nightsearcher.

Both are made in England.
 
pvb said:
You need a DIN plug and socket. These lock together positively, and are good for about 16A max. Cheaper to get them from a non-marine source, eg here.
Click to expand...

But as far as i can see no degree of waterproofness is specified so thay must be fitted below decks or in a wheelhouse.

A proper water proof deck socket is the way to go. So it cost a little more but it is still peanuts compared with the total boat ownership and running costs.
 
Personally I use iec plugs and sockets and have found them never to corrode or get hot,BUT not waterproof (The power outlet found on most pc towers)
 
VicS said:
But as far as i can see no degree of waterproofness is specified so thay must be fitted below decks or in a wheelhouse.

A proper water proof deck socket is the way to go. So it cost a little more but it is still peanuts compared with the total boat ownership and running costs.
Click to expand...

It's not waterproof. I've got a couple of them on a panel under the sprayhood, and not had any problems with them.
 
I have Dri-Plug sockets in the cockpit. Below I use these from Maplin

a59fl.jpg


Well made and, at least to some degree, waterproof - they have a dust cap marked "Marine". Code A59FL, seven quid a pop.
 
I swapped the cig-lighter plug on my Big Light for a DIN one. Till now I've been plugging it into the old switch panel inside the cabin, but I bought a DIN socket at the same time which this winter I will fit in the cockpit. It has a waterproof bung when not in use, but no specific sealing when the plug is in. However, I'm going to be mounting it in a very sheltered spot under the thwart at the front of the cockpit, tucked into a 3-way corner of GRP, so I think it's as protected as it needs to be.

I use the same socket to power the anchor light I hoist above the ball.

Pete
 
Sureseal tick all the boxes but only rated to 8 to 12 Amp and they don't do a panel mount version AFAIK. http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0028/0900766b800288a6.pdf

powercon http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=224003 and the matching plug are good for 20a at 220v, are not likely to be mistaken for 220v outlets or inlets, have a locking detent and the panel mount socket is all but watertight from the outside. I have used them for auxilliary 12v supplies around the boat for h/h accesories, the laptop charger and a h/h spotlight that draws around 12 Amps.
 
I have a powerful searchlight that I use if returning to the Hamble at night.

I have the 2 pin socket that VicS mentioned that also doubles for the Autohelm power source. The light has one of those coiled stretchy cables to allow it to be taken forward to the cabin top or to illuminate the engine compartment. The socket has an O-ring fitted outside so is quite waterproof when not in use and capped; and the male connector fittings to the socket for Autohelm or lamp are the same capping form.

ianat182
 
Similar to the OP I am looking to replace some of my internal cigarette lighter sockets with something that will not allow the plug to pull out at the slightest provocation. Can anyone tell me if the DIN plugs/sockets are any more secure? The curly leads on my inspection lamp and steamer scarer pull the cig plugs out of the sockets.
Something like this... http://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/din-style-plug-and-socket-10a-max-p-299.html
 
alahol2 said:
Similar to the OP I am looking to replace some of my internal cigarette lighter sockets with something that will not allow the plug to pull out at the slightest provocation. Can anyone tell me if the DIN plugs/sockets are any more secure? The curly leads on my inspection lamp and steamer scarer pull the cig plugs out of the sockets.
Something like this... http://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/din-style-plug-and-socket-10a-max-p-299.html
Click to expand...

The curly type heavy current leads fitted to inspection lamps will put too much lateral load on that type of socket and plug notwithstanding the fact that a sharp blow anywhere on that plug will shatter it or the socket. This might cause a short circuit. :o

I believe that the plug you listed is supposed to be mounted on a vertical surface with the plug exiting downwards to stop any heavy object being placed on the fitting.

I cannot find they type you require but they are good for up to 20Amps and have a heavy rubber lip which forms the retaining part of the plug PLUG they are waterproof. Often used on motorbikes but in a smaller current version.;)
 
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Spuddy said:
Considering using a "steamer scarer" high power lamp to connect to ship's batteries. I suspect that the cig lighter socket I fitted a while ago won't pass enough amps so better put in something that will. Just phoned ASAP to find out spec for the cig type sockets they stock and reply was 10 amps - they think; but....plugs to suit only good for 3 amps. What other options are there chaps ? I haven't yet bought a lamp
Click to expand...
These are rated to 16 am, and are fairly waterproof. http://www.sutars.com/prods.htm
 
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