12V receptacle / plug.

[upthesaukee]

Here is a real puzzler. I have a 12 V air pump that was my Dad's and dates from the mid 80's. The packaging was never opened! I plugged it into my 12V receptacle in my Toyota Corrola, turned it on, and started to inflate a swim toy. Worked great. Brought to the boat, plugged it in, and nothing. Plugged in cell charger. Works great. Plugged the pump in again, nothing. Moved the plug around and still nothing. Got home and plugged it into the Corolla... worked fine. Plugged into wife's Trailblazer and it works fine.
Took it back down to tbe boat today, and same problem...did not work.

Any thoughts as to why???

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[camp guy]

I am not an electrician, but anytime I had a problem with the wiring system on my boat it usually involved something to do with the ground connection.

Just my $.02 worth.

[HellRaZoR004]

My only guess is the 12v plug on the boat has a faulty connection to the battery - not completely bad, but enough that the pump isn't able to draw enough current from the battery for it to run. Cell chargers don't draw that much current but motors do.

I would check the ground connection and make sure it isn't rusted.

[upthesaukee]

We also have a 12V vacuum that we use, and it works just fine.

I'm thinking the 12 V plug is "different" than those of today, but don't know enough about electrical systems to know.

[HellRaZoR004]

Interesting. That makes it a little easier then.

If you really think the plug is different it's possible to buy just the plug at radio shack and splice the new one on. Depending on the price though it may be cheaper to buy a new pump.

[brk-lnt]

If by 12V plug you mean the typical cigarette lighter outlet, they are supposed to be fairly standard, but I've seen some cases of incompatibilities over the years.

My guess is that either your boat or the air pump has a slightly odd socket/plug to make the two of them not work.

One cheap solution might be to go to Wal-Mart or wherever and find one of those multi-outlet adapters that turn one outlet into 3 or 4. You might get lucky and find the outlets on that work better with your inflator.

[RLW]

Did you have the ignition switch on the accessory side of the switch on the boat.:)

[granitebox]

I bet its the plug. Older plugs are definately different. In the mid 80s cigarette lighters were actually designed to light cigarettes.

Now, cigarette lighters are designed as 12v power sources.

I have had similar issues - take a quick look - it could be something as simple as a shoulder on the plug is preventing the connection from seating. If you see a different, follow the Radio Shack advice

[SIKSUKR]

This article refers to the recepticle but its seems relevent.

Problems with Using an Automotive 12V Socket

Since cigarette lighter receptacles weren’t originally intended for use as accessory sockets, there are a few inherent issues with using them in that capacity. Accordingly, devices that are designed to use a 12V socket have to be capable of working around these shortcomings.

The biggest issue with using a cigarette lighter receptacle as a 12V socket is the size (inner diameter and depth) of the receptacle itself. Since there is some variation in the size of a receptacle (sometimes referred to as a can), 12V power plugs typically have spring-loaded contacts. That allows them to maintain electrical contact within a given range of tolerances, but it also means that the plug may lose electrical contact from time to time.

[upthesaukee]

Thanks to all. I think that it is the male plug. Just have to go with one of the fine suggestions. Think replacing the plug may be the best option. Thanks all. :)

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[Cal]

Make sure your polarity on the boat plug is correct. Center contact positive and outer case negative. For a cigarette lighter or light it wouldn't mak a difference but for the compressor it would be trying to run backward. Just a thought;)

[trfour]

Also, make sure that the power-or Positive wire to the 12volt receptacle is 14 gauge or larger to handle the volt and amperage requirements of what ever accessary that you intend to use on it...


Terry
_________________________________________

[upthesaukee]

If by 12V plug you mean the typical cigarette lighter outlet, they are supposed to be fairly standard, but I've seen some cases of incompatibilities over the years.

My guess is that either your boat or the air pump has a slightly odd socket/plug to make the two of them not work.

One cheap solution might be to go to Wal-Mart or wherever and find one of those multi-outlet adapters that turn one outlet into 3 or 4. You might get lucky and find the outlets on that work better with your inflator.

Kudos to you, brk-Int. I went to Walmart and got a new plug and a two outlet adapter hoping the adapter would solve the issue. And it did!!!! Now I will return the plug and all will be well. Plus thing is I can run my GPS and charge a phone at the same time. Also, thanks to those who offered solutions and advice.

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[AC2717]

different set ups
I have a 1988 boat and have to convert the 12v adaptor for todays cell phone chargers and pumps