Wiring a DC Outlet Socket

[nigel1]

Planning to install two 12V DC outlets in the saloon.
These are Bulgin sockets similar to ones in the below link, which accept a 2 pin plug.

Bulgin Plug & Low Flange Socket B-DP2 10Amp 2 Pin

Question, is there a standard convention as to where the positive and negative wires connect to the socket.
In the UK, a standard wall mounted power socket (240V AC) is wired with the positive on the left hand side (as viewed from the front of the socket), and the negative on the right.
Does something similar apply to 12V DC circuits??

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by nigel1

Planning to install two 12V DC outlets in the saloon.
These are Bulgin sockets similar to ones in the below link, which accept a 2 pin plug.

Bulgin Plug & Low Flange Socket B-DP2 10Amp 2 Pin

Question, is there a standard convention as to where the positive and negative wires connect to the socket.
In the UK, a standard wall mounted power socket (240V AC) is wired with the positive on the left hand side (as viewed from the front of the socket), and the negative on the right.
Does something similar apply to 12V DC circuits??

If the 240 AC is positive and negative oriented as you describe... Are you reversing the plug 50 times per second???

[ReMetau]

Not sure about the standard, but it appears that the socket you selected is keyed so I don't know if it matters.

[nigel1]

Yep, its keyed, so if plug and socket are correctly wired I wont be able to get the polarity wrong, but, if there is a correct standard, I'd like to use that.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

If the 240 AC is positive and negative oriented as you describe... Are you reversing the plug 50 times per second???

Better terms would be live, and neutral. Neutral stays around ground, while live cycles from positive to negative.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

Better terms would be live, and neutral. Neutral stays around ground, while live cycles from positive to negative.

Whew!

Good thing... I thought Nigel was one of the shell game dude's for a second... My bad too as our (US) 240 is 2 live... Not so with the Euro...

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

If the 240 AC is positive and negative oriented as you describe... Are you reversing the plug 50 times per second???

Thanks, I stand corrected, poor description on my part, live and neutral it is then.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by nigel1

Thanks, I stand corrected, poor description on my part, live and neutral it is then.

My fault too for jumping the gun with the US standard for 240!

Not finding a standardized convention would leave me wiring it with with Red=Right staring at the socket...

Of course I would lie awake nights in a cold sweat too with the conflict of knowing that the return path is on the left hand side screwing with the colreg convention...

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

My fault too for jumping the gun with the US standard for 240!

Not finding a standardized convention would leave me wiring it with with Red=Right staring at the socket...

Of course I would lie awake nights in a cold sweat too with the conflict of knowing that the return path is on the left hand side screwing with the colreg convention...

Maybe I'll go with that, we all have to live dangerously at times

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

Better terms would be live, and neutral. Neutral stays around ground, while live cycles from positive to negative.

Neutral may not be ground connected and in Europe can be going floating


Dave

[MarkSF]

Yes always treat neutral as if it is deadly. All sorts of things can result in it being live... saw it 50V w.r.t. ground in S.Korea once.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by nigel1

Maybe I'll go with that, we all have to live dangerously at times

I like the enthusiasm! Damn the torpedoes....

You never know.... 20 years from now they may be referring to the "Nigel Convention" on wiring DC low voltage connectors...

[sparrowhawk1]

Are the pins different sizes if so I think its standard put the positive on the bigger pin. at least that's the way it is with auto pilots I've used

[sparrowhawk1]

Just looked on Amazon and the Attwood trolling motor plugs have the positive on the right if you're looking at the socket face. Well I just realized that it depends on which way the socket is mounted. So long as you do all the plugs and sockets the same way. You should be fine.

[boatpoker]

This is DC, there is no neutral just positive and negative.