12V socket

[RaisedByWolves]

Can someone point me in the direction of where i would find a 12V socket to install on an aircraft that never had one before.

Thanks
Tom

[sierra bravo]

Boat stores, ATV stores, auto parts stores, Radio Shack,or here's a link to Amazon. Mine's wired to a breaker. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_8gvw2ik5m5_b

[RaisedByWolves]

Boat stores, ATV stores, auto parts stores, Radio Shack,or here's a link to Amazon. Mine's wired to a breaker. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_8gvw2ik5m5_b

Thanks
Just out of curiosity, how big of a breaker

[Iflylower]

Thanks
Just out of curiosity, how big of a breaker

Usually a 5 amp

[FdxLou]

WalMart. The Aviation Dept of course. Agreed on the 5 amp breaker.

[Rick Papp]

National Aviation Parts Administration, (local NAPA store).

[bob turner]

Type M power plug. If you go to Radio Shack, the panel mount has to be p/ n274-1563. The others have quality control problems. This one has to be wired in place, since it is inserted from the front.

This is the same plug that you find on all earlier Icom and Sigtronics portables. You will also see it used on small chargers for computers and other household electronics.

Fuse it according to what you will plug in there. Some of the GPS units call for a 2 1/2 amp fuse. I mostly use 2 amp in-lines, and they never blow with the standard Garmin hand helds. Watch out with the fuse holder - it is no longer one size fits all.

Opinion. We have six Cubs, a Mooney, and a 206 fitted with these plugs.

[mike mcs repair]

Fuse it according to what you will plug in there. ....

absolutely NOT....

fuse size for socket is determined by the wire size feeding it.... the item plugging into it may ALSO have its own fuse most likely.... but the feed fuse or breaker is to protect the wire that feeds the socket.....

[bob turner]

Well, that is certainly true. If the wire will not support a 2 amp fuse, or even a five amp, then it probably doesn't have the physical strength to survive aircraft use.

The usual application for these plugs is a GPS. They typically are protected by a fuse in the cigar lighter plug, and my instruction books specify 2 1/2 amps. Once you cut off the cigar lighter plug, you need a fuse to protect the device.

[Bill Ingerson]

I bought one from CubCrafter for about $12.00 Looks alot like the ones in Nappa auto parts. Problem is its only for Experimental airplanes, Bought a new one that is STCd, cost alot more but if I get ramp checked I will be able to keep it in. My mechanic just got his chops busted by the FAA for one of his customers having seat covers that were not fire proof with all the tags. Had to take the seats out. So be careful what you buy, I have one forsale

[DesperadoPilot]

Bill, where did you buy the one that was STC'd, and what did it cost?

[sierra bravo]

Lone Star Aviation offers a TSO'd power socket for $90 if you think that's important for your airplane.

[DesperadoPilot]

Thanks Sierra Bravo, I have been contemplating installing one lately to plug in my GPS, just didn't know where I could get one that was legal. In the mean time I been just carrying an extra battery for it.

[sierra bravo]

The vast majority of 12v power sockets in the fleet aren't TSO'd. I don't think the one I pitched from my original Cessna panel was, either. It looked like typical JC Whitney quality to me. The non-TSO socket that's in there now is nicer than what it replaced. That's good enough for me.

[bob turner]

Check the definition of minor alteration. If such a socket can be considered minor, you do not need an STC or a field approval. Seat covers are another matter. Find some burn certs, or get your mechanic to do the required tests.

Opinion.

[Bill Ingerson]

D.P my mechanic bought it for around $65.00 aprox. Might have bought it from Chief's in Oregon, I will check and find out. He has not put it in yet. I have to agree with most people. The $12.00 dollar one works great, but if they get a inspection going on with your plane, it could be a big problem.

[DesperadoPilot]

Thanks for the info Bill. I know a lot of National Aviation Parts Association stuff works just fine on airplanes, but I do not want any problems with the FAA. I am close to Houston, and ramp checks are not unheard of around here. I would rather just go ahead and pay the few extra bucks and not let it be an issue if the occasion arises. Just my worthless opinion.....