Better connectors??

[amuller]

I don't have a lot of removable electrical/electronic stuff on my boats. GPS, sounder, spotlight. The weak spot is always the "cigarette lighter" power connectors. They just aren't reliable--poor retention, lack of wiping action on the center contact, etc. I would like to ban these things but what to use instead.

There are these, which seem to have and SAE standard to conform to.

https://www.amazon.com/Electop-Weatherproof-Universal-Flush-Mountable-Connector/dp/B07V6NJ37P/ref=sr_1_6?crid=7XMFSPE81MOT&keywords=12+volt+connectors&qid=1666441535&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiNS45NiIsInFzcCI6IjUuNzUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=12+volt+connectors%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-6

Then there are Anderson connectors, which work well but the smallest common size is 50 A, overkill for most applications. Note that the different colors are keyed differently.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08312DNRC/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_156?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_plhdr=t

There are also smaller 'mini" Anderson connectors which might work well:

ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS B02265G1 Connector Housing, Finger Proof, Red, SBS Mini Series, Plug, Receptacle, 2 Positions: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS B02265G1 Connector Housing, Finger Proof, Red, SBS Mini Series, Plug, Receptacle, 2 Positions: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

(Amazon links for reference only. Descriptions and prices are often iffy.)

Anyone have thoughts/experience on this?

 

[InSaneFisherMan]

I don't have a lot of removable electrical/electronic stuff on my boats. GPS, sounder, spotlight. The weak spot is always the "cigarette lighter" power connectors. They just aren't reliable--poor retention, lack of wiping action on the center contact, etc. I would like to ban these things but what to use instead.

There are these, which seem to have and SAE standard to conform to.

https://www.amazon.com/Electop-Weatherproof-Universal-Flush-Mountable-Connector/dp/B07V6NJ37P/ref=sr_1_6?crid=7XMFSPE81MOT&keywords=12+volt+connectors&qid=1666441535&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiNS45NiIsInFzcCI6IjUuNzUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=12+volt+connectors%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-6

Then there are Anderson connectors, which work well but the smallest common size is 50 A, overkill for most applications. Note that the different colors are keyed differently.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08312DNRC/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_156?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_plhdr=t

There are also smaller 'mini" Anderson connectors which might work well:

ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS B02265G1 Connector Housing, Finger Proof, Red, SBS Mini Series, Plug, Receptacle, 2 Positions: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS B02265G1 Connector Housing, Finger Proof, Red, SBS Mini Series, Plug, Receptacle, 2 Positions: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

(Amazon links for reference only. Descriptions and prices are often iffy.)

Anyone have thoughts/experience on this?

I use all 3 and now a weird Noco connector, I prefer the 15a Anderson connectors, mainly because I bought a bulk pack. Advantages and disadvantages for all of them, but I do agree with your statement on the cigarette lighter socket.

 

[old_fart]

West Mountain Radio - Powerpole® Cables

Powerpole® cables are high current, low voltage DC power cables. Powerpole® connectors allow for minimal contact resistance at high current and easy polarity identification.

www.westmountainradio.com

 

[Tin Man]

Have you tried this one....I've had great success with these.

Marinco Twist 90 Degree

 

[thill]

I got a twist-lock cigarette lighter socket somewhere, and it was excellent. I need to find where I got that.

 

[airshot]

I have used cig lighter sockets for years with no issues, but..I dont use walley world cheapies ! I spend the money to get good water resistant sockets and plugs, rated for 15 amps. I have a heavy duty extension cord type socket that is about 5-6' in length that I use to power my bait bucket aerator, been using it for 15 years over 3 different boats with no issues.

 

[DaleH]

I have used cig lighter sockets for years with no issues, but ... I dont use walley world cheapies ! I spend the money to get good water resistant sockets and plugs, rated for 15 amps.

Same here … used in saltwater boats too!

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I don't have a lot of removable electrical/electronic stuff on my boats. GPS, sounder, spotlight. The weak spot is always the "cigarette lighter" power connectors. They just aren't reliable--poor retention, lack of wiping action on the center contact, etc. I would like to ban these things but what to use instead.

There are these, which seem to have and SAE standard to conform to.

https://www.amazon.com/Electop-Weatherproof-Universal-Flush-Mountable-Connector/dp/B07V6NJ37P/ref=sr_1_6?crid=7XMFSPE81MOT&keywords=12+volt+connectors&qid=1666441535&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiNS45NiIsInFzcCI6IjUuNzUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=12+volt+connectors%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-6

Then there are Anderson connectors, which work well but the smallest common size is 50 A, overkill for most applications. Note that the different colors are keyed differently.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08312DNRC/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_156?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_plhdr=t

There are also smaller 'mini" Anderson connectors which might work well:

ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS B02265G1 Connector Housing, Finger Proof, Red, SBS Mini Series, Plug, Receptacle, 2 Positions: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS B02265G1 Connector Housing, Finger Proof, Red, SBS Mini Series, Plug, Receptacle, 2 Positions: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

(Amazon links for reference only. Descriptions and prices are often iffy.)

Anyone have thoughts/experience on this?

Look up Anderson power pole 15A connector on Azon.

I found them there but couldn’t get the app to spit out a link to post.

 

[thill]

Here are the marine-grade locking sockets. They work very well, and regular cigarette lighter plugs fit in them. But the locking plugs fit in them even better.:
https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Marine-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B0002KRC5Y?th=1

The 3-prong Marineco connectors are what I use for more serious stuff, like trolling motors and large livewells or heavy lighting, but here is a similar set for 1/2 the price:
https://www.amazon.com/LucaSng-Marine-Waterproof-Receptacle-Replacement/dp/B08XMS2MPZ

Also, I just saw these. I like the looks, 30A rating. I am going to order a few to test out:
https://www.amazon.com/SZJELEN-2Pin-12Pin-Waterproof-Electrical-Connectors/dp/B07YWLM511/

 

[cyclops2]

Go to www.mcmaster.com Look up battery connectors. Have used them for decades. never a problem with quality or delivery.