Original 12v socket wiring question

[themattsteele]

I've always had a weird smaller socket where the usual 12volt goes on the dash on my Westy. German I think.

Just got around to taking it out to replace it with a standard 12v socket and it only has one positive wire on the back (see pic)

I need two wires for my new socket, where do I run a negative from? And should I put a new wire in for the live with a fuse in line?

I didn't do electrics at school obvs





Cheers

[CovKid]

Yes, because the old socket was earthed to the dash via the fitting. Just run an earth to any convenient screw under the dash or ideally to the earth crown. Check along red wire and see where it goes. May not need a fuse if it goes to fusebox.

[themattsteele]

Thanks! Found a nearby screw to the body, ran some wire to it and now it all works.

The hardest bit was getting a file to make to make that hole big enough to fit the new socket.

[Oldiebut goodie]

It would have been as easy to use the correct din plug for the socket. They are superior to those nasty cigarette lighter ones that the plugs fall out of or make poor contact ( I hate them ). I use a din socket in my boat and the plugs never shift a bit.

[rockthebus]

Good tip. What would you Google?

[Oldiebut goodie]

12v din plug!
Like these http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/prod ... 5067dea05d

[Mocki]

They are also known as "mono plugs and sockets" and "hella plug and sockets"
They are common on agricultural vehicles, and commercial vehicles and boats .

[Oldiebut goodie]

And VW vans!

[CovKid]

I think it depends on whether you'd ever actually use a Hella plug 'as is'. I suspect for most, no. If a converter is £6 and a standard ciggly socket the same, or as I've found, less than that, it makes more sense to lose it and fit the more common type. Or if the Hella one works out, have both. I always thought 1/4" mono jack plugs made the best connection.

[Mocki]

oh they definately make the best connection, they have a sprung loaded neg connection all the way around, as oposed to a single or maybe double strip of questionable springy metal as a neg connection....

[CovKid]

Certainly some very nasty ciggy plugs about. Nothing worse than navigating some complicated city only to discover your satnav wasn't being charged and is now exhausted.

[rockthebus]

12v din plug!
Like these http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/prod ... 5067dea05d

Thanks for the link