Hi Folks, I know some of you will say get Andersen Plugs fitted which I may do, however about to head off on a short trip and no time to do this.
The 12V ciggy type connection for the Evacool on the lead where it plugs into my 12V Aux battery (Narva ciggy type double socket fitted to top of battery case) doesn't seem to be making a very good connection and a slight brush near the connection turns the 12V power off.
The different type of connector at the Evacool end is secure and not a problem, it is only the ciggy type connection at the aux battery end.
Until I can get better (Andersen) plugs fitted to that end of the lead and mounted on the battery case, to make a better connection with with the ciggy type plug and socket, would wrapping a bit of alfoil around the ciggy type plug be ok to make a better and more secure connection.
I know alfoil can catch fire so a bit worried about using that to wrap the plug in. Any quick alternatives welcome, I don't want to arrive at my destination and find the fridge has turned off, not sure how vehicle vibration on the road will affect the plug either....
-- Edited by Vic41 on Saturday 3rd of May 2014 05:51:29 PM
You could try squashing the socket slightly so that it is hard to push the plug in...this may stop it from coming loose. Also make sure the centre contact on the plug is shiny and the part of the socket that this contacts must be clean/shiny. Also try and clean the sides of the socket (internal) with steel wool or sandpaper. I've used silver paper before but it can cause shorts etc very easily. You could always buy some small alligator clips and use these instead of the ciggy lighter bits.
I've just gone thru what you are experiencing and have changed the ciggy bit for an Anderson plug.
I will try what you have suggested and see what happens until I am in a position to do the Andersen plug bit, hopefully it will do the trick until then.
Merit or Hella plugs and sockets are a s***load easier to install...and will overcome your problem tenfold.Also will take up to 16 amps without a problem too...plus look neater as well. There is also male connectors that have a removable sleeve on them to convert between ciggy or Merit...with a fuse inside. However I usually solder this up solid as an inline fuse is easier and more reliable.
I have an evacool and it,s great
I fixed a similar problem with a sturdy laky band which i fitted to tension the plug and socket together. Use it all the time. Problem solved
Other possibilities:
- Sometimes I find that the spring contacts on the sides of the plug aren't protruding far enough out to make robust contact, and need some gentle bending with a screwdriver.
- More of what @jonno said, e.g. duct tape the plug and socket together to eliminate movement.
As @ST391GQ said, the Merit/Hella system is more reliable. Guessing all the major auto parts stores that carry electrical stuff will have them; I know Jaycar does too. Your fridge plug may have a removable piece on the end of it that, when removed, converts it to Merit plug (the Waeco ones do). You don't need to replace your cig sockets on the battery box as they will handy for other things; just install a Merit socket as well.
It's bodgy, but you might like to strip some wire and coil it around the full length of one or both of the spring contacts. Tack solder the ends to prevent them unravelling. I'd prefer single-core wire to multi-strand to prevent it fraying with repeated insertions, otherwise you could flow some solder throughout the coil.
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Did trip to Narrogin to drop some things off for someone, then returned via Popanyinning and Beverley both overnight then home.
I turned my plug vertical instead of horizontal (vertical - sprung bits on top and below rather than on the sides) and it seemed to be ok and no disconnection occurred, so seems ok at the moment, will keep an eye on it until I can get something better fitted.
While this is an old thread, I have a related question about the "intermittent" 12V connector for an Evakool/Glacio/Weaco/Stirling portable fridge. (They all use the same connector type)
a. What is the name of the female block connector going into the wall socket of the fridge, as I want to buy it separately. Most comes as a complete lead - ciggy & block connector. (I googled MERIT 12v block 2-pin blade inline female plug but still couldn't get any joy. Jaycar also couldnt help)
b. Where can I either buy in Perth, or online order?
MERIT is a brand name and represents a broad range I'm looking for an alternative that can provide a better type of connection with the 2 blade pins.
Any help will be great!!! Will take my soldering iron with this weekend in case I need to do the permanent thing.
Still dont know the connector type but sorted the intermittent issue.
Opened the wall plate on fridge and sqeezed all the sluggs with a pair of pliers. That gave a more firm connection on all the points. Put a multimeter across points to check conductivity and all wiggle all the wires and plug. Its now been running for 5-days with no issues.
Cheers
