Two-Prong 12-volt Sockets

[foojin]

Our boat came with 12-volt electrical sockets throughout. They are two-prong sockets, identical in appearance to two-prong AC sockets.

The previous owner didn't know much about them. They were installed when he bought the boat. He never used them. He thought they were original equipment on the Taiwan-built boat.

I've never seen such 12-volt sockets, or two-prong 12-volt plugs. I have only seen plugs similar to cigarette lighter plugs.

Have you seen them and are two-prong 12-volt plugs available?

[tayana55]

Originally Posted by foojin

Our boat came with 12-volt electrical sockets throughout. They are two-prong sockets, identical in appearance to two-prong AC sockets.

The previous owner didn't know much about them. They were installed when he bought the boat. He never used them. He thought they were original equipment on the Taiwan-built boat.

I've never seen such 12-volt sockets, or two-prong 12-volt plugs. I have only seen plugs similar to cigarette lighter plugs.

Have you seen them and are two-prong 12-volt plugs available?

Some photos would help

[foojin]

Don't have photos with me, but don't think they would help. Sockets are identical in appearance to AC household sockets, including the rectangular faceplates. The prong socket holes also appear to be identical. They are simply labelled for 12-volt use.

[patr1707]

I have a couple on my boat. A Perry 41 built in Taiwan. I don't have anything that plugs into it and don't know what would? Most are changed out for the cigarette style outlet.

[tayana55]

Originally Posted by foojin

Don't have photos with me, but don't think they would help. Sockets are identical in appearance to AC household sockets, including the rectangular faceplates. The prong socket holes also appear to be identical. They are simply labelled for 12-volt use.

Do they look something like this ?
DC Male Charger Plug - Two Prong, Angled: BatteryMart.com

[Canibul]

i replaced the ridiculous old cigar lighter style outlets on our boat with two pin round connectors r specifically for 12vdc. I don't think I would use ac style connectors. Potential problems there, if you also have standard ac sockets.

The cigar connectors are about one of the crummiest designs for marine use I could imagine. Poorly built, with too many moving, corrosive metal parts. That whole thing is based upon a cigar lighter designed in the 1940's for automobiles. The two round pins on the connectors I use are easy to install, don't need anywhere near the depth of the cigar lighters, and have NO moving parts. They have watertight covers that snap on and off. And in a pinch, I can just clip wires and stick them directly into the sockets.

[smac999]

if they look like ac plugs. they probably are... just wired to DC power and labled DC. sounds dangerous.

[foojin]

Originally Posted by tayana55

Do they look something like this ?
DC Male Charger Plug - Two Prong, Angled: BatteryMart.com

Don't have any plugs, just the outlets... and the slots are vertical, same height as typical AC slots.

[foojin]

Originally Posted by Canibul

i replaced the ridiculous old cigar lighter style outlets on our boat with two pin round connectors r specifically for 12vdc.

I think that's the ticket. What brand did you choose?

[tayana55]

Originally Posted by foojin

Don't have any plugs, just the outlets... and the slots are vertical, same height as typical AC slots.

It sounds like they've used standard AC sockets. Can be confusing, especially if you have AC on board, easily mixed up.

[mausgras]

A new USB standard is coming out next year that can also act as a power/charger port as well as data. Any cruiser thinking of DC power should think about how these might integrate into their system. See
With new USB connector, no more wrong-way-up cables - CNET Mobile

[thinwater]

I outfitted my last boat with Jones plugs. Much better. Just change the plugs on the appliances.

Yeah, I can see 1-2 of the USB plugs would be good.

[JusDreaming]

Originally Posted by Canibul

i replaced the ridiculous old cigar lighter style outlets on our boat with two pin round connectors r specifically for 12vdc. I don't think I would use ac style connectors. Potential problems there, if you also have standard ac sockets.

I would also be interested in what you used

[Scott Berg]

we like Anderson PowerPole connectors for all low voltage (<50vdc). They are ubiquitouis in the ham radio community. They make a range of fittings for all currents… check out:
Powerpole Connectors
Multipole Connectors
Anderson Power Poles, Connectors & Housings - Powerpoles for Sale | Powerwerx
Powerpole Accessories: Powerpole dust covers, retention clips, chassis mounts, mounting clamps, connector handles, strain relief clamps, corrosion proof safety boots and more.

[Lake-Effect]

Agreeing that using AC sockets and plugs for 12v dc is a dangerous choice.

My own view on the use of "cigarette lighter" sockets for 12v - I think they're reasonable. First - they're sort of a standard, and alot of 12v portable devices use them. Second - they usually have a fuse in the plug, which means the device is always protected correctly, especially when they draw much less than the 10A or more that the outlet is fused for. Finally - anything that's fixed in place should have a direct, permanent connection to 12v, so the 12v outlets are there just for occasional use with portable devices. Of course there are crappy cig lighter sockets and those should be replaced with newer ones.

I do like the USB standard for powering smaller electronic devices. Many people have USB jacks installed as well as the cig. lighter type.