Electrical socket that looks like a small cig lighter socket?

[Simon]

Hi!

On one of the sides in our Kon-tiki is a normal UK 3 pin plug socket and next to it is a small circular socket that looks like a cigarette lighter socket, but smaller - about 13mm in diameter.

Can someone please tell me what the socket is called, and what's available to fit it?

We're not intending to hook up to the mains too often when we're out and about so if we could get an adapter to fit the socket (I assume it has to be 12v) that will charge our phones from the battery, for example, it would be a great help.

I already have a cig lighter socket with a USB port that I'm thinking of plugging a USB hub into, but more USB ports wouldn't hurt as this round socket is in a more convenient location than the dashboard.

 

[timdownieuk]

Hi, probably a socket for a DIN plug.

Have a look here.

http://www.outdoorgb.com/Guide_to_12V_Plugs_and_connections/

 

[tonka]

I t sounds like a "hella" fitting.. loads of plugs and adaptors on ebay..
This type is used a lot on trucks, motorbikes and often in continental vans..

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[Dave and Ginny]

I have exactly the same on mine and it takes a DIN plug as timdownieuk has said

 

[Snowbird]

It is a Hella socket. When purchasing plugs make sure they are genuine Hella as there are a lot of Chinese copies about with tin contacts plated with brass. They get hot through poor contact.

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[Simon]

Thanks all, that's the one. I was hoping there would be a big range of superduper accessories to plug into it. I'll go a-searching now I know what it's called. Can't find a mention of it in the book we got with the motorhome!

 

[Simon]

I t sounds like a "hella" fitting.. loads of plugs and adaptors on ebay..
This type is used a lot on trucks, motorbikes and often in continental vans..

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Hmmm... I can't find much that goes in there really. I was hoping for more. Have you found many uses for it?

 

[hilldweller]

Hmmm... I can't find much that goes in there really. I was hoping for more. Have you found many uses for it?

If you don't fit the appropriate DIN plug on your gadgets, or can't in the case of chargers you buy a converter DIN plug to cigarette socket.

 

[timdownieuk]

Thanks all, that's the one. I was hoping there would be a big range of superduper accessories to plug into it. I'll go a-searching now I know what it's called. Can't find a mention of it in the book we got with the motorhome!

You probably won't find that many 12V appliances in the UK already wired with DIN plugs, you'll have to fit the plugs yourself. I believe that they are more reliable than standard 12V "cigarette lighter" style sockets and plugs (which are pretty awful).

 

[Simon]

You probably won't find that many 12V appliances in the UK already wired with DIN plugs, you'll have to fit the plugs yourself. I believe that they are more reliable than standard 12V "cigarette lighter" style sockets and plugs (which are pretty awful).

Cig. lighter plugs are often terrible things; it's rare to find one that fits properly without wiggling out due to vibration. I've found that my bluetooth headset adapter is really good but I was hoping the DIN socket would be utilised more than it appears to be. Oh well, I'll have to look into it further.

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[Snowbird]

I use Hella plugs and sockets for most high power 12 volt items ie, macerator, 12 volt beer fridge, 12volt laptop charger, 12 volt tyre pump, auxiliary fuel tank pump. Cigarette lighter sockets and plugs are just not up to the job.

 

[pappajohn]

Hella plugs are far superior to cig lighter sockets on two points.

generally rated at 16amps, regular cig sockets are usually 10amps, and unlike cig sockets which rely on friction to hold the plug in, hella use a positive click lock system so making a far better connection

 

[Simon]

Hella plugs are far superior to cig lighter sockets on two points.

generally rated at 16amps, regular cig sockets are usually 10amps, and unlike cig sockets which rely on friction to hold the plug in, hella use a positive click lock system so making a far better connection

I'm just wondering where the adapters are that have USB ports, micro-USB charging ports, and outputs to charge laptops?

 

[DavidG58]

not exactly sure what you are after by have look on the Maplins site

http://www.maplin.co.uk/?gclid=CKH88L_2u8ACFZTLtAodLSIA6g

loads of all sorts on here

 

[Badknee]

I t sounds like a "hella" fitting.. loads of plugs and adaptors on ebay..
This type is used a lot on trucks, motorbikes and often in continental vans..

Broken Link Removed

"Hells type" at £9.30 for three. Beware cheap copies of a high quality item.

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[Badknee]

Haha, love it " Hella"