High current detachable power connector? To hook up car to house power.

nobb · 08-28-2009, 12:34 PM

Just a quick question, Im wondering if anyone knows of some sort of quick connect high current plug/connector that I can use for 12V? Sort of like the 120vac plug you have at your home, but for high current (20amps+), 12 volt use, and can resist the outside elements. I searched eBay, but Im probably not using the right terms.

The reason why I want to do this is so I can have a single connector that I can plug my car's electrical system into a 12 amp battery charger for when I am working on the carpc or whatever which may drain the battery. Right now, every time, I have to pop open the hood, disconnect some bolts, and clamp on the battery charger to both my main and auxiliary battery. Too lazy for that =)

fixerofallthing · 08-28-2009, 01:07 PM

http://www.truckntow.com/pc-23104-14...omponents.aspx

This is what they use on tow trucks. It is expensive but gives you an idea of what to look for on ebay. If you can get just the grey connector you can convert your battery charger over and never have to lift the hood again. Just an idea. Hope it helps.

mstaedt · 08-28-2009, 01:16 PM

Anderson connectors. Lots of sizes and colors

http://www.andersonpower.com/product...powerpole.html

soundman98 · 08-28-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mstaedt

Anderson connectors. Lots of sizes and colors

http://www.andersonpower.com/product...powerpole.html

exactly what i was going to recommend(if you look at the first link, it has the same style connector, but has 2 connections) -- there are many different companies that sell these, most of them are industrial supply houses-- for an idea where to look, these are commonly used to charge motorized pallet movers/electric fork lifts.

bemenaker · 08-28-2009, 01:22 PM

I've run my CarPC for around five or six hours without the engine running and still been able to start my car afterwards.

Jershell99 · 08-28-2009, 02:20 PM

I have used the same plugs that are used in trailer plug wiring, but they are available in 2 pin configurations.
Those anderson plugs look nice!

malcom2073 · 08-28-2009, 02:27 PM

You could use a NATO plug/receptacle. It's a bit expensive, but definitely durable and easy to connect/impossible to hook up wrong.

trader007 · 08-28-2009, 08:19 PM

i plan on getting an automatic charger i can leave hooked to my battery, with just the plug hanging out the grill. plug and charge anytime you want. this is the charger im looking to get- http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-...s/GU2612A.html

nobb · 08-28-2009, 09:21 PM

Wow $100 for that TrucknTow product? Maybe I should just buy some industrial grade 120VAC plugs and DIY modify it for 12v instead.

mstaedt · 08-31-2009, 07:02 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jershell99

Those anderson plugs look nice!

They are nice. They attach to each other on the sides so you can create any type of modular connector.

jeffeulogy · 09-04-2009, 11:06 PM

a decent electronics store should carry the anderson sb-175, which is probably the connector pictured in your link (might be a larger size) i used them to build a pass through adapter to run a radio on my pallet jack at work. the're rated for 175 amps at 24v and shouldn't run you more than 10 bucks each.

nobb · 09-04-2009, 11:10 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. While we are on the topic of hooking up the car's electrical system to the house, is it safe for the alternator to remain connected? It should have diodes to prevent back emf right? aka. current going into the alternator.

trader007 · 09-07-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by nobb

Thanks for the suggestions. While we are on the topic of hooking up the car's electrical system to the house, is it safe for the alternator to remain connected? It should have diodes to prevent back emf right? aka. current going into the alternator.

yes they must have that feature or it will pull enough current from the car's battery alone to flatten it in a few hours. this happens with bad or broken alternaters sometimes.. the diodes burn out and you always wake up to a dead battery in the morning.

may i ask again why an onboard charger wont work?

nobb · 09-07-2009, 06:54 PM

Ideally, I would love for the charger to be onboard. But unfortunately my battery charger is huge (volume of a big shoebox) and I have no where in the engine bay to mount it. Unless someone knows of a 15+ amp high current charger that is also very slim and compact.

Trader007, the charger in your link is only 10amps and costs $120. I could get two 12 amp chargers from Canadian Tire for the same price =)

PaulF · 09-07-2009, 07:32 PM

What are you driving? You could always put the charger in the trunk if it's not a pickup.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password