Making 12v SEXY !

[solecollector]

I purchased a few fans for the saloon and I wasn't sure where I wanted their permanent home to be so I bought the ones with the suction cups on them as well as a 12v box fan. Of course the all came with the 12v cigarette lighter plug - but there is no way I'm putting a bunch of those connections on the boat. I have one - that is all I need.

So I decided to go with the a/c plugs the use in Argentina which is similar to a 110v plug - but not really... it has thicker poles as well as angled (I think they use these in Australia and China as well). The boat is outfitted with Idea electric plugs so I purchased the new plugs and went to town. Real happy with them so far.









Hekre is what is driving the 12v.... probably more sexy than the plugs

[john61ct]

Kinky!

A more mainstream solution (yes ciggie ports suck) is Blue Sea's twistlock style, also backward compatible or BMW/DIN style, and Andersons for higher amps.

[StuM]

IMNSHO,

Using a common AC socket to feed 12V DC is likely to be confusing.

Using a common AC plug on a 12V DC appliance is downright dangerous!
(especially if you have an mains shorepower or an inverter on board)

[solecollector]

Originally Posted by StuM

IMNSHO,

Using a common AC socket to feed 12V DC is likely to be confusing.

Using a common AC plug on a 12V DC appliance is downright dangerous!
(especially if you have an mains shorepower or an inverter on board)

The 12v side is on a separate system - isn't connected to any inverter. The only volts coming out of the plug are 12-14 volts.

And the plug isn't a common plug on our boat - thus the reason I used a different plug. You can't plug in a 110 item into this plug - it is totally different.

[solecollector]

The more I think about it - the more I think this might not be the best idea..... I just need to find a Vimar plug for Idea faceplates.

[a64pilot]

Maybe label the plug 12V ?

[40 South]

Originally Posted by solecollector

The 12v side is on a separate system - isn't connected to any inverter. The only volts coming out of the plug are 12-14 volts.

And the plug isn't a common plug on our boat - thus the reason I used a different plug. You can't plug in a 110 item into this plug - it is totally different.

It's not the socket that's the problem. Plug a 240 appliance into the socket and it will not work.

It is the appliance (fan) that is the problem!! You have a 12V fan that could be plugged into a 240V socket…BANG, it all goes up in smoke or a major electrocution.

On you boat this may not be a problem but if the fan gets moved to another boat or location 240V could be applied to it.

[solecollector]

That is what I thought. Luckily none of these appliances are coming off the boat.

[john61ct]

Your boat your call.

But when discussing in public should clearly be labelled as NOT a good idea.

Boats travel, owners die. . .

[LoudMusic]

I've been wondering what people are doing for their portable 12v appliances. It looks like the "cig lighter socket" is the only standard, and I agree it's not terribly attractive, but then are there any power outlets that are "attractive" ?

I think the best solution is to just hide them as best as possible. At my various computer desks over the years I've mounted the power strip to the underside of the desk. It helps declutter the area and hide the excess of cables and plastic electronic parts. Surely there are places to put the 12v socket that are just out of sight so that the cable disappears around a corner and the clunky plugs are hidden?

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

I've been wondering what people are doing for their portable 12v appliances. It looks like the "cig lighter socket" is the only standard, and I agree it's not terribly attractive, but then are there any power outlets that are "attractive"?

Ciggie ports are a functional abortion, never mind the ugly.

But all three other options I mention above can be made to look OK

http://store.vegasvalleymotorcycleto..._12260_500.jpg

[solecollector]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Ciggie ports are a functional abortion, never mind the ugly.

But all three other options I mention above can be made to look OK

http://store.vegasvalleymotorcycleto..._12260_500.jpg

I'm going to have to re-think this.... too many good points being made. If everything stays on the boat - no problem.... but if they find their way to land - problem for someone and I'd be responsible. Solution soon.....

[HopCar]

I suggested to both Marinco and Hubbel that they make an attractive low voltage outlets. They kind of patted me on the head and said they'd think about it. Obviously they thought I was nuts. I was tired of selling 110 volt equipment to run expensive 12 volt electric fishing reels. I think there is a real market for attractive 12 volt locking plugs and outlets.

[a64pilot]

My electric reels have a twin prong twist lock plug that operate just like a shorepower plug, stick it in and twist a little, we hid the receptacles under the gunwale I think it's called.
Haven't used the things in years

Looked like this I think
http://www.captharry.com/reels/elect...lock-plug.html

[DeepFrz]

Switchcraft have DC sockets/plugs that are smaller in size than the cigarette lighter type sockets. Whether they are more attractive or not is up to the beholder.