Weird 12 volt problem ~ Solved!!!

[_DJ_1]

I wanted to relocate the 12v receptacle to a more convenient place for my Engel. Instead of moving the old one and leaving a hole I went to O Reillys Auto Parts and bought the same exact one that I have been using.

I mounted it about 15" apart from the other one. It won't run the Engel. It will run my inverter and my thermoelectric cooler but not the Engel!!! The original still runs the Engel just fine!!

:h:h:h

[DougE]

On these 12v fridges I've seen some chatter about needing to cut the factory plug and replace with one from Radio Shack.

[time2roll]

Use Anderson power poles and pull #8 wire 😉

Those cigar plugs are junk 😞

[Darryl_Rita]

12 volt plugs aren't standardized. 2 different variations, at least. They don't interchange. Look down inside them, betting they're different.

[HiTech]

First hit on google is a company the makes AC/DC fridges and freezers.

Jim

[jhilley]

I am also wondering what an Engel is. It may be that the socket is just slightly different and the center positive connector on the plug doesn't reach the contact in the socket.

[renoman69]

.....and what the heck is an "Engel"?

[_DJ_1]

It is the exact same receptacle with the same length and gauge wire and wired directly to the battery the same as the original.

Not only will the original run the Engel but I can put a dual receptacle in it and run my tv through an inverter at the same time.

I just think that is weird.

[3_tons]

The AWG wire gauge on the new one 'may' too small to carry the current. Thus, wire could overheat.

[Reddog1]

Moved to the Tech Issues Forum.

Wayne
Moderator

[mkirsch]

Help people out here...

"Won't run" how? What happens when you plug it in and turn it on? Does it pop fuses, or stand up and sing the Star Spangled Banner, or what?

How did you wire it? Did you wire it from the existing plug, or run a separate circuit? What gauge wire?

What does the voltage read in the new plug? In the old plug?

You've got one of three problems most likely:
1. Bad connection.
2. Inadequate gauge wire.
2a. Too long a run.

[YC_1]

Could be you reversed the polarity and some devices are protected. Some just won't work. Or, your wires are not carrying the current load and the voltage is dropping.

Grab a voltmeter and touch the outside edges on each of the sockets. If you see voltage the new one is reversed. If it is a low voltage issue you need to measure the voltage right on the back side of the socket while under load.