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Old 14-07-2017, 12:46   #1
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12 VDC outlets

As part of some other work, I fitted a "12 VDC" power station. A dedicated fused 10 AWG circuit comes into the switch. That switch feeds a Blue Sea 1011 12V socket and a Blue Sea 1045 daul 4.8A USB charger, before returning through a shunt connected to a Blue Sea 1732 Mini OLED Ammeter. The custom panel is from New Wire Marine.

The switch always easy removing of power from the sockets, as well as turning off the ammeter to eliminate the quiscent current draw. The ammeter allows the users to be cogniscent of the power they are using. I really like the new Blue Sea Mini OLED Meter product line, I think they look very sharp.


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Old 14-07-2017, 13:16   #2
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Looks great.

I need more and more 2 amp USB ports.

Get lots. Loads. Heaps.

I want multi points for each cabin.

My current Usb comitment is phone, iPad and remote GPS. That's 3 in my cabin at any one time... And I move cabins
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Old 14-07-2017, 13:40   #3
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Nice!

Maybe a timed off switch you have to reset to on every 2 hours?

And for me (lots of) 12V ports are enough, the plugs with 2-6 USB ports are cheap enough to leave around, and now many gizmos need USB-C (Thunderbolt*3), something new's always coming, but the old cigg port (suckie as it is) will abide.

I also put Anderson's in for higher amp 12V connections.
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Old 20-07-2017, 09:18   #4
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

A cigarette lighter type power point is only good for 6A continuous. Increasing the wire size won't help - the limit is the connector itself.
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Old 21-07-2017, 07:17   #5
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Nice Work! I like the idea of having the switch right there on the same panel as the outlets. The ammeter is a nice touch, too.

There are tons of these things on Amazon, eBay, etc. Different size and shape panels with interchangeable holes for switches, cig lighter outlets, USB outlets of various capacities, and meters (V and A). Blue Sea has some nice stuff, but if you shop around you may find something more to your liking, often cheaper.

Remember too that USB ports are 5V. For example, a 2.4A USB outlet will only draw 12W max, or 1A at 12V.

Watch for parasitic current draw. Many of these are lighted whenever they're powered on. This can also be annoying at night - or helpful if you like night lights in the cabin.

I've lost count of how many of these things I've installed on my boat, and we still find places where it would be handy to have one more.
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Old 21-07-2017, 08:38   #6
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

The new "high output" BlueSeas USB sockets are very good. They will do 2x 2.4A and only have a 1ma parasitic draw. They are also a bit more efficient than some of the others in the voltage conversion, saving more power.

They have not been on the market long and so are a little hard to find. They are also expensive, especially compared to the no-name brands.
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Old 21-07-2017, 09:49   #7
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Another option: I've used these waterproof USB bulkhead connectors from L-Com as data ports, but one could use them for power points I suppose, with the appropriate circuit. That could be useful in wet areas such as the cockpit. Note that they are only really waterproof if the corresponding threaded female connector is used on the device plugged in. And the appropriate cap is screwed on when the outlet is not in use.

I didn't really need IP6 connectors at the chart table, but these were the only set of matching bulkhead connectors that I could find.

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Old 21-07-2017, 09:55   #8
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

A USB 3 port can provide up to 100 Watts of power. (20 V x 5 amps)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Po...specifications
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Old 21-07-2017, 10:08   #9
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

David, do you have a link to those specs? I see charging rate of 1.5 amps at 5 volts.
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Old 21-07-2017, 10:12   #10
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

I added a link in post #8.

Cheers!
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Old 21-07-2017, 11:08   #11
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Auspicious View Post
A cigarette lighter type power point is only good for 6A continuous. Increasing the wire size won't help - the limit is the connector itself.
The Blue Sea marine type is a bit heavier duty, really designed to be used with their special twist-lock plugs.

They happen to also be compatible with the lousy traditional style, where you do need to be very careful of ampacity issues.

The Euro style BMW/DIN connector is also great but not backward compatible.

Any real high currents (continuous 10+A) should use Anderson connectors.
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Old 21-07-2017, 14:17   #12
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
Any real high currents (continuous 10+A) should use Anderson connectors.
Or Powerlet (aka BMW Power Plugs) or ring terminals. (*grin*)

I like ring terminals.

https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power...-sb-connectors

Powerlet Products - Rugged power outlets, cables and electronics
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Old 21-07-2017, 17:15   #13
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Auspicious View Post
Or Powerlet (aka BMW Power Plugs)
Yes, Powerlet, Merit and Hella are prominent makers of "Euro style BMW/DIN connectors" as I called them.

ISO 4165 would be the most precise name.

I don't think they're rated for what I would call high currents, but anything's better than stock ciggie ports.

Rings aren't what I consider quick and convenient, also ugly in the context of the OP.

Anderson's are also very "functional", but can be made to look OK in a panel, and do just plug in/unplug safely.
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Old 22-07-2017, 03:50   #14
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
Yes, Powerlet, Merit and Hella are prominent makers of "Euro style BMW/DIN connectors" as I called them.

ISO 4165 would be the most precise name.

I don't think they're rated for what I would call high currents, but anything's better than stock ciggie ports.
Powerlet connectors are rated for 16A continuous. That's a lot more than 6A. 200W is a good bit for something to be connected and disconnected regularly.

Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
Rings aren't what I consider quick and convenient, also ugly in the context of the OP.
Agree they aren't quick. I see a lot of devices plugged into cigarette lighter outlets that are for all intents and purposes permanent. Ring terminals are a better solution.
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Old 22-07-2017, 05:43   #15
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Re: 12 VDC outlets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Auspicious View Post
Or Powerlet (aka BMW Power Plugs) or ring terminals. (*grin*)

I like ring terminals.

https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power...-sb-connectors

Powerlet Products - Rugged power outlets, cables and electronics
now i have to rewire my panels. These are too nice not to use.
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