Merit or Hella plugs - or something else

The Engel plug & base is the best. Hella/Merit plugs also vibrate out.

Hi Mike

I covered this in one of our newsletters.

Have a look here...

Which_Plug

The ABR_newsletter index is here...

News_Index

Regards

Derek

You can use Anderson plugs

For the huge price of about $4 you can get a reliable joining system with these as they are rated @ 30 Amps.

Link: Anderson Powerpole

Image Could Not Be FoundMaîneÿ . . .

Hi Mike,
The Anderson Power Poles are the go, they don't come apart and can handle far more current than the other choices.

They can be installed in panels as per this photo,






If you're looking for them locally have a chat to Ian from RV Powerstream he pays to be a corporate member here on ExploreOz and is a very approachable bloke.

I've tried the Hella's, Merit and the Engel plugs. I'd never go back to them, the Anderson gear is vastly superior, is half the size and cheaper too.

The only thing is you need to either solder the pins or buy a crimper for the Power Poles, I bought the crimper.

Geoff

Wow Mike,

You must be really confused by now.

I have been using Merit/Hella plugs and sockets for years and never had one vibrate loose.

Anderson connectors are great for heavy current draw, but for standardisation of most 12 volt equipment, to my mind the Hella plug is the most practical and sound solution.

The hella plug comes with a removable red collar, enabling it to fit either the standard cigarette socket (with collar in place) or a merit style socket with collar removed.

I have a range of 12 volt equipment most of which have the hella style plug on them.
My Thumper has two merit style sockets and one cigarette style socket and I can connect any of the devices into an available socket.
Generally, I have the solar panel plugged into one socket, the fridge in another and a 12 volt fluro in another ready for dark. Come nightfall, the solar panel is disconnected and generally another 12 volt light connected.
I run two 12 volt lights for a while at camp. One piranha/versalite fluro with a yellow filter over the cooking area at one end of the annex and a Evakool Torpedo light at the other end where insect attraction is not an issue.

The hella plugs and merit sockets work for me.

Bill.

Just to confuse you more with another option many use Clipsal plugs conservatively rated at 15 amps & very secure. Have very little loss accross the connection unlike several others, being available in either surface mount or extension lead type plugs.
Cheers Craig..........

Some Good Options above MIke, but also give getting a better cig lighter plug ago.

Many outlets will stock Lion brand heavy duty units which have 4 copper plated engagement springs and come with a short lead atached.

Solved our problems and they fit in with the many cig lighter based bits and pieces.

We use merit and find they work well, never had one fall out yet! They also fit directly into a cig plug if needed.