12V plugs & sockets for fridge install

[LandyAndy]

If your installing an Engel fridge into your truck you can swap out the origional lighter plug to a 'lockable' marine grade one like this :

http://www.marinco.com/product/sealink-12v-plug-amp-receptacle

The Engle 'temperature fuse' will fit the plug and you get the huge benefit of it not being able to vibrate loose with all your beer in the fridge

 

[rusty_tlc]

Nice find. Using a plug with a spring contact that inherently pushes the connector out of the receptacle just seems wrong to me.

I've been thinking of converting all my 12V stuff over to Power Pole connectors. They are very popular with the HAM community and the de-facto standard for most ARES and RACES groups.

 

[1leglance]

I like the Power Pole setups I see in ham rigs....just wish I wasn't too lazy to do that to my setup.
One thing I heard from a ham guy was that you should leave in a reg cig lighter socket for those random times you need to plug in something borrowed.

 

[Corey]

Those look similar to what I used for my fridge installation.
Holds the plug very tight.

 

[LandyAndy]

Marinco develop that 'locking' version of the 12V cigar socket I'm lead to believe.... may copies out there as well.

 

[01tundra]

This is the only plug I'll ever use on mine after having a bad experience with a standard style plug.


http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1001

 

[LandyAndy]

This is the only plug I'll ever use on mine after having a bad experience with a standard style plug.


http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1001

So does the Engel plug latch into that recepticle ?

The Sealink ones once engaged have to be twisted 30 degrees to seperate them, they don't just pull apart. Is that the same ?

 

[AKRover]

So does the Engel plug latch into that recepticle ?

The Sealink ones once engaged have to be twisted 30 degrees to seperate them, they don't just pull apart. Is that the same ?

That socket is the best option for installing the old arbs and engle fridges. You unscrew the socket from the end of the cord which reveals a two blade male plug that then screws into the socket pictured above. The locking cig lighter style are a good second choice.

 

[01tundra]

So does the Engel plug latch into that recepticle ?

The Sealink ones once engaged have to be twisted 30 degrees to seperate them, they don't just pull apart. Is that the same ?

Yep, like stated above, you thread the end off the Engel plug and then the plug threads onto the outlet. Only way it's coming out is to either unthread it or break it completely off.

 

[mrchips]

http://www.offroadtrailtools.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=406

I installed 1 of these panels in my Jeep for my fridge and other light application. Works great and is very well made.

 

[spressomon]

The KKs come with Euro/non-USA/Powerlet style 12V plugs and receptacles. They are GREAT! Secure, high current carrying and positive connection. BMW, et al, motorcycles use this style too.

http://www.powerlet.com/shop-by-product/power-distribution/PWRDIST

I carry both female and male adapters just in case. I wish American vehicle manufacturers would embrace this technology and give up on the 1940's technology stuff :ylsmoke:

FWIW: I've had the Marinco locking style cigarette lighter style 12V plugs fail; there isn't, after they've been cycled a few times, spring pressure to keep them in the rotated and locked position.

 

[Far far north]

Neutrik Speakon
Carries alot of power and strong enough to tow the truck with, almost...
You get cheaper copies for under 10$ that will work great for most installs.

 

[LandyAndy]

The KKs come with Euro/non-USA/Powerlet style 12V plugs and receptacles. They are GREAT! Secure, high current carrying and positive connection. BMW, et al, motorcycles use this style too.

http://www.powerlet.com/shop-by-product/power-distribution/PWRDIST

I carry both female and male adapters just in case. I wish American vehicle manufacturers would embrace this technology and give up on the 1940's technology stuff :ylsmoke:

FWIW: I've had the Marinco locking style cigarette lighter style 12V plugs fail; there isn't, after they've been cycled a few times, spring pressure to keep them in the rotated and locked position.

I've used the DIN ISO 4165 type of connectors before, only real drawback is you need to carry an adaptor for all the other things that come with a cigar type plug.... like my cell phone charger, camera charger.... etc.

If I were to really convert away from 'old' tech I'd use something like these :

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=2411159

As it stands the marine plugs & sockets are a good alternative that keeps the flexability of a 'standard' socket, for what is my daily driver after all.