12 volt cigarette lighter plug install#
12 volt cigarette lighter plug portable#

Photo from Wolo 345 Animal House 12-volt Electric Horn on .Īfter that, I may even take requests. In 12-Volt RV Circuits 102, you’ll see a step-by-step 12-volt outlet installation process in my truck camper. Now that you’ve studied for your TCEE (Truck Camper Electrical Engineering) degree, it’s time to go for your first practical exam installing an outlet.

12 volt cigarette lighter plug install#

Once you have determined (1) a 12-volt power source, (2) the appropriate gauge 12-volt wire for safety, (3) hidden versus surface wiring, and (4) a termination type (permanently wired 12-volt device, or a 12-volt outlet), you’re almost ready to install a 12-volt circuit.Ībove: Riddle me this, How will we install a lowly 12-volt cigarette outlet in yonder range hood? Stay tuned… Next Up: Installing A 12-Volt Outlet In A Camper They’re my favorites, and you’ll see them featured in part 2! Installing The 12-Volt Circuit I like to call them the Electron Pirates. Keep your eye on those blue ones on the tape roll. You’ll see some common (and not so common) connectors as well. I’ve assembled some important tools above cordless drill with hole saw, cable ties, bullet connectors, wire nuts, spade terminal, butt splice connectors, posi tap, posi-lock, electrical tape, scotch lock tap, digital multi-meter, and wire cutters. In addition to the 12-volt wire, and chosen termination (device or outlet), you will need a short list of tools. Lots of motorcycle-designed accessories use Hella’s well-designed socket and plug combination and there’s no reason the Hella socket couldn’t be used in a RV if you have an accessory with a Hella plug.Ībove: Here are all three plug types side-by-side for comparison and identification. Only slightly less secure than the Engel is the Hella or Merit socket. The Engel plug and socket is especially suited to higher current (up to 20 Amps) due to its large flat blades and the securing shroud that actually screws into the outlet after insertion. We will be installing an Engel refrigerator-freezer for an upcoming 12-volt project. The Engel plug resists accidental unplugging through vibration or inadvertent bumping. Some 12-volt appliances, including 12-volt refrigerator-freezers, require high current.

The Engel 12-volt refrigerator-freezer outlet is an Australian design with a 12-volt plug developed to be especially secure for appliances. There are other 12-volt outlet types to be aware of. If you need both cigarette-lighter and USB outlets, and you have the space in the mounting location, these versatile dual-outlets are definitely worth your consideration.Ībove: Engel socket and mounting plate, Photo of an Engel socket and mounting plate on. Inspect the gizmos you need to plug into your new 12-volt outlet, and choose your socket accordingly.Ībove: Photo of a Charging Center taken from .Īn increasingly popular option is a dual 12-volt standard and 5-volt USB outlet.

12 volt cigarette lighter plug portable#

Other 12-volt devices, including many smart phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth devices, and other portable electronics, have a USB plug. USB Sockets Available For 12-Volt Outlets For example, most 12-volt devices have a cigarette-lighter type plug. If, however, you want the versatility of being able to plug and unplug a 12-volt device, you will need to select the appropriate 12-volt outlet for the devices you intend to use. These look essentially like the ones in a car or truck.

If your new circuit will be permanently wired to a device such as a 12-volt light fixture, it can be hardwired directly to your new 12-volt circuit.Ībove: Just one example of many 12-volt outlets available. In this example, the inverter powers two televisions and a DVD player. The circuit includes a 30 amp relay and a remote switch with LED indicator upstairs in the living space. The last consideration for your 12-volt circuit is choosing between a permanently wired 12-volt device (such as a light fixture or fan) and a 12-volt outlet.Ībove you can see a 375 watt inverter is hard-wired in the basement of the camper.