Merit Plug

Submitted: Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 07:54
ThreadID: 28586 Views:7498 Replies:9 FollowUps:4
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I an getting a dual batt system in my Nivara Dual cab and wondering what is the best type of plug to place in the back for an Engel fridge. ARB have spoken about a merit plug or the Engel connector. What is the best system for the connector?
May want to use this for lights or compressor in the future.
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Reply By: OzRoamer - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:12

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:12
We find that the merit or arrid type plug the best fitting and use them on all our trailers and Autofridge leads.
AnswerID: 142211

Reply By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:29

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:29
Yeah - another vote for the Merrit plug. Made in Germany. Good Quality. Snap-in system ensures the darm thing doesn't vibrate out.... and never has for us. I've changed ALL our plugs throughout the vehicles we have to Merrit. Expensive excercise but worth it.http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Default.asp?DisplaySet=Active&PN=1#28586
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AnswerID: 142213

Reply By: Jimbo - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:33

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:33
There is the plug by Hella and Narva (also used by Waeco) which is a Merit Plug that converts to a normal cig lighter plug with a little red attachment.

Best of both worlds.

Cheers,

Jim.
AnswerID: 142214

Follow Up By: gramps - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:45

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:45
Agreed. Works fine for me.
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FollowupID: 395819

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:49

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:49
Yes, I agree.

Have two Merit (Piranha) sockets installed in the rear of the Jack and have standardised on the Merit plug for Fridge, etc.

Just replace the Cigarette style plug on the end of the Engel cable with a Merit plug.
The plug "locks" into the socket and won't vibrate loose.

I also made an adaptor with a merit plug one end and a Cigarette style socket on the other, for those "occasional" items with low current draw that you may need to plug in without converting.

Merit plugs and sockets are also available from TJM stores who are distributors for Piranha products.

Merit Plug & Socket

Bill


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AnswerID: 142218

Reply By: BorisK - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:57

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:57
Sorry guys, merit plug IMO is to long & if pulled on sideways (leverage) or inserted slightly sideways can be damaged as I have already experienced. I believe the anderson connection system is far superior. Downside is expense & not so many other vehicles have them if you want to use your devices.
AnswerID: 142219

Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 10:19

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 10:19
Well Boris,

All I can say is that your 12 volt Outlets are (were) in the wrong place.

Anderson connectors are certainly good, but overkill for lower current requirements and the cost of converting all electrical appliances over the an Anderson Connector is not warranted.

Any connector or wiring can be damaged if "pulled on sideways", but the Merit socket is the recognised lower cost solution for most situations and as Jimbo has correctly pointed out, the Hella "unisex" plug gives the best of both worlds, able to plug in to either a Merit or Ciggy socket.

My opinion of course.

Bill


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Follow Up By: DrewT@home - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 17:38

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 17:38
i have to agree, after looking at all the options the anderson plug seemed the simplest & most robust solution.
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FollowupID: 395847

Follow Up By: OzRoamer - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 22:34

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 22:34
Hi Boris
I do agree that in a prfect world all plugs would be Anderson or similar - and can also say that many times our customers snap our merrit plugs by accident or just by being customers but I find that the replacement in simple and cheap and far better then any Cig lighter
Also the Waeco type "double use" plug is even longer and we have had far more trouble with them.

PLEASE someone make the Anderson plug the universally accepted item used by all the different manuafacturers.
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FollowupID: 395866

Reply By: Fast_Patrol - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:59

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 08:59
I've got 6 merit sockets in my car, so I guess that means I think they are a good idea. For the gu patrol, the 4wd warehouse sells a bracket that fits behind the rectangular flap, just inside the small rear door - it holds 3 sockets alone. I also bought the adapter as mentioned.

My previous car I used the screw in marine fittings, and round 32v sockets. The screw in one's can fail due to dust, and the 32v ones are big and ugly. The current merit plugs are equal in functionality to the 32v ones, better than the screw in ones and look better.

Cheers
Andrew
AnswerID: 142220

Reply By: BorisK - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 09:01

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 09:01
Just to add I have changed to inline merit plugs where possible. Much less problems this way.
AnswerID: 142221

Reply By: Dogers - Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 15:03

Saturday, Dec 03, 2005 at 15:03
Thanks for all the info, very helpful. Will get the merit.
AnswerID: 142253

Reply By: MartyB - Sunday, Dec 04, 2005 at 08:35

Sunday, Dec 04, 2005 at 08:35
I used the Anderson Pole connectors.. They are a bit big looking on some small cables. I bought mine from Ebay for about $4 each including postage so they are not expensive. I like the way the one connector is either an inlet or outlet.
AnswerID: 142321

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