This is crazy dangerous. Diesel heater electrical connections

[Gromett]

Fitting these cheap chinese diesel heaters is easy enough for the competent DIYer.

However, some may not know this or consider this. Highly dangerous.
If your diesel heater comes with this type of connector chop it off and do it properly.

I discussed a similar issue on the Starlink thread.

 

[Raul]

My god if anyone gets it that wrong to plug 230v into a 12v, he/she should never attempt any diy wiring ever.

 

[Gromett]

My god if anyone gets it that wrong to plug 230v into a 12v, he/she should never attempt any diy wiring ever.

This is not DIY wiring. This is how the manufacturers are supplying it. hence the warning.

 

[Gromett]

Back in June it was discussed using the IEC connector for 48V.

Starlink ordered… I feel it’s the only sensible option now..

Your idea with those is the same principle as my suggestion, but probably a lot neater, however the male (with pins), would have to be fitted to the box, to receive the live female, in order to.prevent exposure to 240v. Cheers, Jock. :)

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[MisterB]

Back in June it was discussed using the IEC connector for 48V.

Starlink ordered… I feel it’s the only sensible option now..

Your idea with those is the same principle as my suggestion, but probably a lot neater, however the male (with pins), would have to be fitted to the box, to receive the live female, in order to.prevent exposure to 240v. Cheers, Jock. :)

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

And the person who was advised, considered that advice, found it be excellent advice and followed it and now has a much better less confusing solution ... which would prevent such a scenario occurring should said person ever sell their motorhome or god forbid, ever loan it to members of their family ...

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[Gromett]

And the person who was advised, considered that advice, found it be excellent advice and followed it and now has a much better less confusing solution ... which would prevent such a scenario occurring should said person ever sell their motorhome or god forbid, ever loan it to members of their family ...

I wasn't criticising you here, I was simply pointing out it is not a one off issue and people should be aware.

Sorry if it came across as negative for you, it was not intended sorry.

 

[MisterB]

I wasn't criticising you here, I was simply pointing out it is not a one off issue and people should be aware.

Sorry if it came across as negative for you, it was not intended sorry.

I didn't take it as negative, you were absolutely right and I was absolutely wrong in thinking it would be ok!

 

[Raul]

This is not DIY wiring. This is how the manufacturers are supplying it. hence the warning.

I’m aware this is factory supplied, I meant diy fitting the thing, you must realise that plug is for the 12v fused connection, despite the fact it looks like a IEC we use in 230v applications.
Even a sticker 12v on the IEC plug will do fine to remember that’s for the 12v for that particular installation.
Horses for courses.

 

[Gromett]

I’m aware this is factory supplied, I meant diy fitting the thing, you must realise that plug is for the 12v fused connection, despite the fact it looks like a IEC we use in 230v applications.
Even a sticker 12v on the IEC plug will do fine to remember that’s for the 12v for that particular installation.
Horses for courses.

I don't understand your point. It is a 240v connector. It is being used for 12v. This is dumb, stupid and opens the way for potentially catastrophic errors.

If you think this is a good thing for a manufacturer to do

 

[autorouter]

Fitting these cheap chinese diesel heaters is easy enough for the competent DIYer.

However, some may not know this or consider this. Highly dangerous.
If your diesel heater comes with this type of connector chop it off and do it properly.

Is it CE marked? Or is this an example of stuff now getting into the UK that no longer needs to be CE marked?

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[scotjimland]

The IEC 60320 connector is Not coded for voltage.. it can be used on any voltage up to 250v

I have seen them used on many applications that were not 240v.. ie 110v, 48v, etc

provided the person installing is a competent DIYer with sound electrical knowledge and follows the instructions there is absolutely no need to "chop it off" .. it is the correct plug and socket for this application..

IEC 60320 is a set of standards specifying power cords appliances up to 250 volts. Though different country owns different power cord types and standards, the IEC 60320 is recognized as an international standard used by most countries in the world. The “C” represents the code standard for connectors made by IEC 60320. Different types of connector are specified for different combinations of current, voltage and temperature.

small-power-cord-big-difference.html

IEC 60320 Appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes[1] is a set of standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifying non-locking connectors for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances of voltage not exceeding 250 V (a.c.) and rated current not exceeding 16 A.[1] Different types of connector (distinguished by shape and size) are specified for different combinations of current, temperature and earthing requirements. Unlike IEC 60309 connectors, they are not coded for voltage; users must ensure that the voltage rating of the equipment is compatible with the mains supply. The standard uses the term coupler to encompass connectors on power cords and power inlets and outlets built into appliances.

 

[pappajohn]

If the suppliers provide a full kettle lead I can understand the problem but I doubt very much there will be anything more than the actual plug so where's the problem.
Even the chinglish instructions will be clear enough.

 

[tonyidle]

My van OEM 12v wiring uses mains t&e flex for many 12v connections. Apart from in one place the yellow/green wire is cut off at the sheath. I have no argument with the use of blue and brown in 12v circuits but I object to the space taken by double-insulated flex where it isn't needed. Mind you the wiring in general is a shambles. Where a large group of wires are zip tied in a "loom" I'm pretty sure they paid someone to plait them before zip tying.

 

[scotjimland]

Mind you the wiring in general is a shambles.

sadly, so is the wiring in my van.. absolute disgrace ..

the 12v fuse panel is like a rats nest.. it is a nightmare to work on... some of the flex used for the lights is like bell wire ..

 

[scotjimland]

I don't understand your point. It is a 240v connector. It is being used for 12v. This is dumb, stupid and opens the way for potentially catastrophic errors.

If you think this is a good thing for a manufacturer to do

It is not a 240v connector ..

it is not "voltage coded" and can legally be used on any voltage up to 250v

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[CAB96]

Is it CE marked? Or is this an example of stuff now getting into the UK that no longer needs to be CE marked?

It all still needs either a CE mark or a UKCA mark, presuming it needed CE before.

In any case, isn't most of it self certifying?

 

[Tigger-Tim]

It is crazy that we don't have a decent standard 12v plug and socket. Cigar lighter plugs and sockets are terrible.

 

[Gromett]

If the suppliers provide a full kettle lead I can understand the problem but I doubt very much there will be anything more than the actual plug so where's the problem.
Even the chinglish instructions will be clear enough.

It is not a 240v connector ..

it is not "voltage coded" and can legally be used on any voltage up to 250v

I give up I think. I will make one more attempt to explain why this is a problem.

It is not a problem for the installer if he is a halfway competent DIYer. He will know it is 12v in the IEC connector.

It has massive potential for problems down the line.

Let's say you install this in your van in a cupboard under the sofa. A couple of years later you get a new girlfriend/wife or even just take a friend out with you.
You pop to the shop and they are struggling to either get the diesel heater going OR are looking for somewhere for their 240V device.
Or you sell your van and this slips your mind to tell them because it as 3 years ago you installed it and totally forget about it.

This style of connector is associated with 240V so the likely hood of someone unplugging or plugging in 240V equipment to this connector is NOT zero.
To make it so that there is zero chance of any confusion I would cut this connector off the 12V wires and put proper 12V connectors on.

Either Crimp the cables, use Wago's or if you must, use low voltage DC connectors like XT60 connectors. Anderson connectors would be overkill however

It is crazy that we don't have a decent standard 12v plug and socket. Cigar lighter plugs and sockets are terrible.

There are. see above

 

[scotjimland]

I give up I think. I will make one more attempt to explain why this is a problem

it is only a problem for the incompetent DIYer who shouldn't be installing a dolls house light, let alone a diesel heater ..

sadly we can't stop stupid fitting one and blowing themselves or others up.. and we can't engineer stupid out of DIY

The plug is being used safely, legally and correctly.. and posses no risk to anyone...not even a blonde g/f

Not debating further ..

 

[DBK]

I've struggled to find a suitable 12 volt plug and socket to run the compressor coolbox. I've tried several types, the best was probably one with two flat pins but it had a tendency to unplug itself when driving along. We resorted to putting masking tape over it to keep it in.

Then recently I found a much better design.

It has two round pins (there is a three pin version) and a catch to ensure a positive connection. Not cheap at £15 but it has worked faultlessly on our current trip. I can't remember the current rating but it isn't huge although enough for the coolbox.

Made by CNLINKO. I wonder where they are based...?

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[Gromett]

it is only a problem for the incompetent DIYer who shouldn't be installing a dolls house light, let alone a diesel heater ..

BUT I said, it is nothing to do with the installer. It is to do with innocent users after the fact who haven't been warned.

Not debating further ..

Me neither. I have been as clear as I can on this.

 

[tonyidle]

It is crazy that we don't have a decent standard 12v plug and socket. Cigar lighter plugs and sockets are terrible.

The so-called Hella plug / socket is excellent. However accessories are supplied with cig lighter plugs. There is also a variety of cig lighter plug that fits both types but, again, few accessories come with them. They're identifiable by a removable red sleeve.

 

[DBK]

The so-called Hella plug / socket is excellent. However accessories are supplied with cig lighter plugs. There is also a variety of cig lighter plug that fits both types but, again, few accessories come with them. They're identifiable by a removable red sleeve.

You will see a Hella socket above my new plug in the photo above. It worked well for a while but poor contact caused heat which softened the metal. The same thing happened to the traditional cigar lighter socket.

 

[scotjimland]

.

 

[tonyidle]

You will see a Hella socket above my new plug in the photo above. It worked well for a while but poor contact caused heat which softened the metal. The same thing happened to the traditional cigar lighter socket.

No photo?

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[DBK]

No photo?

This one. Hella can be a good socket, I may have just been unlucky with mine being made of poor materials.

 

[DBK]

Just taken this shot which reminds me the model is an LP-20. A quick Google suggests it is a lot cheaper from AliExpress - if you aren't in a hurry as I was.

It isn't exactly small but seems to make a very secure connection.

 

[andykim]

The IEC 60320 connector is Not coded for voltage.. it can be used on any voltage up to 250v

I have seen them used on many applications that were not 240v.. ie 110v, 48v, etc

provided the person installing is a competent DIYer with sound electrical knowledge and follows the instructions there is absolutely no need to "chop it off" .. it is the correct plug and socket for this application..



small-power-cord-big-difference.html

So if the vehicle is sold onto Mr and Mrs naive, who decide to plug their kettle cable into it " because we are on hookup " it's their own fault the van goes up in smoke?

 

[scotjimland]

So if the vehicle is sold onto Mr and Mrs naive, who decide to plug their kettle cable into it " because we are on hookup " it's their own fault the van goes up in smoke?

it's a female IEC 60320 inline connector, supplying 12v to the heater .. it has an in-line fuse .

they would have to lift the bed up, find the 12v connector, un-couple it and even if possible, plug into it, it would simply blow the aforementioned 12v fuse.. the van wouldn'd go up in smoke !

for reference.. this is the 12v female connector with the 12v supply you are suggesting they use for the kettle ..

all the low wattage 240v kettles I have seen are cordless with a 13a plug on the supply cable, not an IEC connector ..

 

[Marauder]

Is it CE marked? Or is this an example of stuff now getting into the UK that no longer needs to be CE marked?

Many are CE marked, but are phony - imitations of the marking

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