Weatherproof 12-volt outlet

[gbaglo]

I didn't get a 12V external outlet. I almost had one installed, but it would mean a trip to Chilliwack, so I put up with 12V extension cords. I run them out the door or window to power iPod dock, Sirius radio dock or compressor to top up the trailer tires.
The 12V external that ETI would install is designed for exposure to elements.

[cpaharley2008]

For those with the battery in the front box, these are handy.Amazon.com: Marine Grade Waterproof Accessory Lighter Socket Power Outlet Recepticle 12 Volt Boats, Motorcycle, Atv, Auto #R: Everything Else

[ruscal]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

For those with the battery in the front box, these are handy.Amazon.com: Marine Grade Waterproof Accessory Lighter Socket Power Outlet Recepticle 12 Volt Boats, Motorcycle, Atv, Auto #R: Everything Else

Jim,
I installed one of those accessory receptacles in the side of my trailer near the 120vac outlet, and also the stacked usb matching receptacle for charging phones and tablets. Some reviewers have commented that the WP flaps get loose over time, requiring a wrap of electrical tape to fix, so will have to see how they hold up.
Russ

[Ellentob]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Harris, the inlet is for attaching the feed from the solar to, whereas and outlet is for attaching 12V devices, and is typically a cigarette lighter type as far as I know. I didn't have need for an outlet to date, and for my solar inlet, I just connect to the trailer plug for now.

Hi Jim--

Couldn't a 12v cigarette outlet be adapted as a 12v inlet? I mean use some sort of adapter. I notice that many portable solar battery chargers come with a cigarette type plug. Why would they include them if it wasn't useful?

Thanks,

Harris

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Ellentob

Hi Jim--

Couldn't a 12v cigarette outlet be adapted as a 12v inlet? I mean use some sort of adapter. I notice that many portable solar battery chargers come with a cigarette type plug. Why would they include them if it wasn't useful?

Thanks,

Harris

You certainly could use a cigarette outlet as an inlet. The concern is using the male end from the panels would be hot, as your contacts are exposed, and you would have to take good care in handling it. The inlet type connectors have these contacts protected from easily shorting out.

I think the main reason they include those in a portable kit, is to easily hook to an existing plug, such as in your tow vehicle, or even to inside in your trailer.

Most of these panel kits (including the one I bought), came with a male and female cigarette lighter connection, a set of small alligator clips, and a bare end connector for you to hook your own connectors too. I used the latter with a 7-pin trailer connector and just plug it in to the trailer plug. Easy peasy. If I used my panel more, I would likely install a proper DC inlet connector, many of the marine ones are built weatherproof and tough.

[fudge_brownie]

Here is a link to a discussion of various options to connect 12 volt, as a result I choose the deck connector on the third page.