Better connectors??

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amuller

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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-Weat...Q==&sprefix=12+volt+connectors,aps,135&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:

https://www.amazon.com/ANDERSON-POWER-PRODUCTS-B02265G1-Receptacle/dp/B07J4GHRYH
(Amazon links for reference only. Descriptions and prices are often iffy.)

Anyone have thoughts/experience on this?
 
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-Weat...Q==&sprefix=12+volt+connectors,aps,135&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:

https://www.amazon.com/ANDERSON-POWER-PRODUCTS-B02265G1-Receptacle/dp/B07J4GHRYH
(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.
 
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.
 
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-Weat...Q==&sprefix=12+volt+connectors,aps,135&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:

https://www.amazon.com/ANDERSON-POWER-PRODUCTS-B02265G1-Receptacle/dp/B07J4GHRYH
(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.
 
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/
 
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