Rear plug

[harpo42]

I have a 12v outlet in the rear of my van which I use for the coolbox. The original standard cigarette lighter type plug on the end of the coolbox melted. I replaced this with a heavier agricultural type 12v socket and plug. This too after a while melted.
I know that this is because of resistance in the plug/socket connection creating heat and that a coolbox when run for long periods draws quite a current. this year i plan to replace the coolbox with the weaco cf18 which should draw less current (or the same current but for less periods of time).

Has anyone else had the problem of melted plugs? What plug/socket arrangent do you suggest?

Thanks

[pippin]

I would worry even more about the wiring to the socket melting.

If it is the original then it is very thin and needs serious upgrading before you use the coolbox again.

Fire behind the panelling could be very nasty indeed

[dandywarhol]

The quality of the plugs and the contact pressure on the centre contact is also important. I'd no problems with a Waeco coolbox plug but tried a Lidl 12/240v coolbox and the plug became dangerously hot - I've upgraded my wiring too!

[harpo42]

Thanks for the replys. The socket is not the original so the wiring is heavy duty, and fused. Nowhere else gets remotely warm only the plug. There obviously is no answer other than dont use a coolbox

[francophile1947]

Cigar lighter sockets are a cr*p design anyway.
I've found you can improve the contact by grinding the end of the positive pin in the plug flat. Also make sure that the plug is held firmly in the socket.

[mikeonb4c]

Cigar lighter sockets are a cr*p design anyway.
I've found you can improve the contact by grinding the end of the positive pin in the plug flat. Also make sure that the plug is held firmly in the socket.

Hear flipping hear!! What a lousy 'standard' we've ended up with. I plug my coolbox into the rear socket when I set off and every time it has moved and broken the circuit during the journey. Even my resourceful self hasn't yet thought of a quick and elegant fix.

[aitch]

Even my resourceful self hasn't yet thought of a quick and elegant fix.

come on Mike your slipping or has work got in the way again!!!!

[pippin]

I ditched the socket/plug arrangement and used a hefty ceramic twin choc bloc.

A bit of a pain on the odd occasion I had to disconnect it but was solid as a rock with no overheating.

[teenmal]

Hi I wonder why it did not blow the fuse??
Is your plug fitted with a internal fuse also?

[harpo42]

I replaced the cigar type socket/ plug with this http://www.the12voltshop.co.uk/Shop/ind ... t_id=30262 which is a much better fitting arrangement. I still had problems with the plug heating up.

[teenmal]

Hi, do you still have problems with this socket fitted??

[harpo42]

Hi, do you still have problems with this socket fitted??

Yep. This plug melted as well.

I have now bought a Weaco cf fridge which should draw less current. I am also uprating all the wireing and fuses to the rear socket. I am hoping that this will stop the prob.

[teenmal]

Hi, could you tell me the make and model of the box that was giving you the problem.

[bigdaddycain]

I'd no problems with a Waeco coolbox plug but tried a Lidl 12/240v coolbox and the plug became dangerously hot - I've upgraded my wiring too!

Gulp! That's the coolbox i have! I'll check the temp of the plug next time i'm plugged in...

I have one of those "4 plug junction box" efforts in my rear socket, whicj powers the dvd player,coolbox, (when in use) and the power to the pump for the tap in my sink.

Would it be worth trying a lower rated fuse in that circuit i wonder? I'm thnking it would pop the fuse before any damage to the wiring would occur?

[bigdaddycain]

Thanks for the replys. The socket is not the original so the wiring is heavy duty, and fused. Nowhere else gets remotely warm only the plug. There obviously is no answer other than dont use a coolbox

Are the connections on the inside of the socket nice and clean? An intermittant connection due to dirty terminals could cause a build up of heat, simply due to a connection on/off scenario every time you went over a bump in the road.

I'd be tempted to try the coolbox in another vehicle,see if there are any issues with the plug overheating then. That way you could narrow down the cause of the overheating plug. If it does it in your car too, i'd be looking at replacing the actual plug on the box,as opposed to the socket in the bongo...