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Old 29-08-2011, 15:02   #1
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12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

So I have these cigarette lighter plugs on 3 clip on cabin fans, the Sirius satellite radio, hand held vhf radio charger, ect. I really dislike these plugs because they are bulky, and have poor contact reliability. Has any one come up with a better solution besides hard wireing?
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Old 29-08-2011, 20:19   #2
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I'll 2nd that. Anyone found something better?
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Old 29-08-2011, 20:30   #3
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

These are really good, come in 2,3,4 pin configuration, are waterproof, but moderately expensive. I use them outside, still have some of the Marinco locking lighter type receptacles and plugs inside. Plug and Socket - 2-Pin - Waterproof* - *Connectors & Plugs* - *Electrical
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Old 29-08-2011, 20:42   #4
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Cigarett lighter plugs for me...

I considered going with several different types of plugs, but eventually decided that the cigarette lighter type are easiest.

Those silly laptop type plugs are a total pain in the @33. Different companies wire with different polarities and there a few hundred different sizes, none of which fit securely.

The ones that I use look to be good for up to 18 amps, they hold securely, are cheap, common and straight forward to wire up. I'm using the best quality name brand that I can find.

After blowing the fuse on my 300W inverter when I got the clips the wrong way round I put a cigarette lighter plug on that too - so far so good. Any connection has to be doable after a few rums which is when the first mate normally insists that things be connected. No more expensive puffs of smoke for me.

My resolution has been to hard wire anything that can't run through a cigarette lighter socket. So far I've only needed to do the TV (plug melted! - might have been faulty).
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Old 29-08-2011, 20:46   #5
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

Marinco makes an improved lighter plug / outlet: Sealink 12V Plug & Receptacle | Marinco

I'm still not a big fan of this type of plug. I've been thinking of trying the twist lock plugs and outlets used for telephones. I don't know how many amps they will carry. Take a look at the Marinco PH6625 and PH6597: Marinco Phone and Cable TV Connectors and Cordsets
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Old 29-08-2011, 22:43   #6
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Brands

I've used Sutars plugs and sockets with no worries so far.

I see that Blue Seas has a nice looking system now. If I put in any more (very likely, the easiest way to wire in removable 12V) I'd be tempted to go with them.
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Old 29-08-2011, 23:14   #7
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

I use the 12/24 volt plugs that are two pins, one larger than the other. They only fit one way, so easy to determine the polarity when wiring. Some have a simple cap that covers the fit. Others have a screw collar that pulls them tight with a gasket.

That said as my preference, I do go both ways on my boat. At the nav station I have 2 cig sockets, And in a cockpit locker I have a marinized/weatherproof cig socket under and back away from direct exposure. But in the cockpit itself I have a dual pin socket with a screw cap. In the main salon I have two sockets, one dual pin and one cig. I have same up fwd were a cable can run up the hatch or to the berths. And I made two genderbender short cables, one male-dual>fem-cig and other male-cig>fem-dual.
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Old 30-08-2011, 04:24   #8
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

For 12 Volt DC accessories, I used “Midget Twist-Lock Devices” (2 Pole, 2 Wire, Polarized, NEMA Code ML-1), such as the:

Hubbell #HBL7526C Flanged Receptacle (or Cooper #7468 etc.)
http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/wiring...s/Page-B03.pdf
and
Hubbell #HBL7545C Plug (male cord cap) (or Cooper #7467 etc.)
and
Hubbell # #HBL7506C Female Cord Cap (or Cooper #7464N etc.) to make an extension cord.

Although these devices are intended for AC use (UL rated for 15A 125VAC - polarized), they are an excellent, but EXPENSIVE alternative to the conventional DC outlets.
They are rugged, corrosion resistant, easily installed, attractive, and best of all “Twist-Lock”.

Not normally available at Marine stores, these NEMA type "ML-1" Midget devices are available at any good Electrical (or Industrial) Distribution Supply house.

Here ➥ http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/wiring.../section-b.pdf

Or ➥ http://assets.twacomm.com/assets/pdf/22657.pdf

See also ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ets-21387.html

And ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...lugs-7924.html

And ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tlets-729.html
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Old 30-08-2011, 05:06   #9
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

here is another source and a bit cheaper
The 12 Volt World
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Old 30-08-2011, 06:01   #10
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

Sawe a friends boat the other day. He's ex-TV and has Cannon plugs everywhere. Also called XLR plugs. Damn sensational idea.

Plugs, wall sockets etc etc

Easy to plug in and unplug, have great noisless conections (unlike cigarette plugs)

A zillion different types, number of pins etc But 3 pin would be the go



Available at all audio shops, music instrument shops
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Old 30-08-2011, 06:29   #11
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

[QUOTE=MarkJ;762769]Sawe a friends boat the other day. He's ex-TV and has Cannon plugs everywhere. Also called XLR plugs. Damn sensational idea.[/url]
Great idea!!!!!!!!!! Here is another source
XLR - 3 Pin XLR
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Old 30-08-2011, 06:37   #12
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trekka View Post
I use the 12/24 volt plugs that are two pins, one larger than the other. They only fit one way, so easy to determine the polarity when wiring. Some have a simple cap that covers the fit. Others have a screw collar that pulls them tight with a gasket. . . .
These plugs/receptacles are quite useful and great for 12VDC applications. Here are some pictures of this type.
- - The problem I have experienced with the "cigarette" style plugs/receptacles is that they rust/corrode quite quickly in the ocean salt air environment.
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Old 30-08-2011, 15:32   #13
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Re: 12vdc Plugs for Cabin Use

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Originally Posted by osirissail View Post
These plugs/receptacles are quite useful and great for 12VDC applications. Here are some pictures of this type.
- - The problem I have experienced with the "cigarette" style plugs/receptacles is that they rust/corrode quite quickly in the ocean salt air environment.
where did you find those?
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