12v sockets.

**Allan** · 09-05-12, 09:21

I would like to put a single or double cigarette type socket over my chart table but the ones I have tried are cheap and nasty. Does anyone make a good quality one, that will stand a the damp air etc. without corroding?
Allan

**vyv_cox** · 09-05-12, 09:46

They are pretty poor things really, so for all important jobs I use Dri-plugs, outside and below. However, for the video player, phone charging etc I have a couple of cigarette sockets bought from Maplins. They have been aboard for some years now, used pretty frequently and reliably. One of them has a plastic cap that keeps some damp out.

**maxi77** · 09-05-12, 09:49

I have used these both on boats and vehicles and been very pleased with them. They also sell good quality matching plugs as well. Cost a bit more than some but worth it in my opinion.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-X-Motorc...item45ea54b219

**noelex** · 09-05-12, 10:02

The best ar Sutars these are rated to 20A. The inherent design of the cigarette lighter plug and socket is poor. If you can use another type of plug ( I use Anderson plugs) it is better, but so many devices terminate in a cigarette plug that you need a few sockets on board that will take these plugs.

**Sire** · 09-05-12, 10:48

The Hella type plugs (commonly used in trucks) are much more nicely made than the cigarette lighter variety, they don't vibrate loose, and they will take 20A. Both the plugs and sockets are available from many suppliers including Maplin.

**prv** · 09-05-12, 10:57

Originally Posted by zetorpilot

The Hella type plugs (commonly used in trucks) are much more nicely made than the cigarette lighter variety, they don't vibrate loose, and they will take 20A. Both the plugs and sockets are available from many suppliers including Maplin.

Not heard of that name, but a google image search suggests they're a make of the "DIN" plugs I've standardised on for the boat. Agree they're good; my anchor light and searchlight plug in using them, the plotter used to till I added AIS and needed some data lines in the plug as well as power. I wired the socket (and bought the plugs) with 20A in mind for possible future use with a dinghy pump - although I think in fact this might not quite be enough for the high power LVM pumps.

A lighter socket or two is still handy for ad-hoc devices like other people's phone chargers though.

Pete

**alahol2** · 09-05-12, 11:03

Originally Posted by maxi77

I have used these both on boats and vehicles and been very pleased with them. They also sell good quality matching plugs as well. Cost a bit more than some but worth it in my opinion.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-X-Motorc...item45ea54b219

Ditto. The main advantage is that you can use a twist-lock plug which prevents inadvertent disconnection.

**Stork_III** · 09-05-12, 11:05

Originally Posted by noelex

The best ar Sutars these are rated to 20A. The inherent design of the cigarette lighter plug and socket is poor. If you can use another type of plug ( I use Anderson plugs) it is better, but so many devices terminate in a cigarette plug that you need a few sockets on board that will take these plugs.

+1 for Sutars for exposed locations, or Berker sockets, well made good current rating.

**Sire** · 09-05-12, 11:22

Originally Posted by prv

Not heard of that name, but a google image search suggests they're a make of the "DIN" plugs I've standardised on for the boat. Agree they're good; my anchor light and searchlight plug in using them, the plotter used to till I added AIS and needed some data lines in the plug as well as power. I wired the socket (and bought the plugs) with 20A in mind for possible future use with a dinghy pump - although I think in fact this might not quite be enough for the high power LVM pumps.

A lighter socket or two is still handy for ad-hoc devices like other people's phone chargers though.

Pete

I think Hella originated them, so calling them 'Hella plugs' is like calling a vacuum cleaner a Hoover.

I've been meaning to change over to these in my own boat.

Good point about the phone chargers etc though!

**Allan** · 09-05-12, 15:24

Originally Posted by maxi77

I have used these both on boats and vehicles and been very pleased with them. They also sell good quality matching plugs as well. Cost a bit more than some but worth it in my opinion.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-X-Motorc...item45ea54b219

I have had a look at these and spoken to the supplier they take standard cigarette type plugs and special plugs which you twist to lock in. The plugs are out of stock until next week. I will buy some of each then.
Many thanks, they are just what I need.
Allan