[jagasail]

Is there any sort of 'standard' for 12v outlets other than the ubiquitous cigarette lighter plug/socket? Besides being bulky, I find them very unreliable, in that no matter how I position the plug in the outlet, a small tap can make it lose contact. Doesn't seem to make much difference which plug is used, and I've tried several different brands of 'sockets' with no real improvement.

I've thought about just getting some sort of plug and socket similar to those that plug a power supply into, say, an ibook, and retrofitting all my 12v 'appliances', but before I do that I'm curious if others have similar problems and what they may be doing about it.

Scot

[jagasail]

Also threw this question to the SSCA board. Hopefully one will have some helpful responses. If I get any there I'll share them here.

[Jerry Powlas]

The Sealink 12V Receptacles by Marinco West Marine part number 343584 are very solid and very reliable. If you use both the male and female part you get a really nice connection. If you plug a regular cigarette lighter male into the Marinco female you will get a connection, but the real advantage come from using both the Marinco male and female together.

As you say, the standard lighter socket and plug are not reliable. They can't carry much current, they get hot, and they they release.

[jagasail]

Jerry,
Thanks for your response. Note however, my sockets are Marinco, but the plugs are what came with the 'appliance', mostly small amp stuff such as cell phone, charger for portable vhf, laptop, etc. and none are making reliable contact. Same in all three Marinco sockets I have. It's basically the spring loaded male pins in the plugs that seem to lose contact.

I've received several responses on the SSCA board, most the same as yours but a few adapting small 120 plug/outlets

Female Receptacle (Outlet): #ML114
Male Plug: #MML1113
http://www.passandseymour.com/pdf/H27.pdf

or electronic stuff http://www.andersonpower.com/

Replacing all sockets and plugs is a lot of work, so what I'm trying first is sort of what you're indicating and putting a Marinco plug on one of the adapters I use most and see how it goes. I understand the Marinco male/females have a locking mechanism that may help. I'll keep you posted.

Scot