12v power pack for laptop

[iandouglas]

HI ive got a 12v power supply from Maplins to run my laptop.
it workes fine but it is getting very hot at the connection where it goes into fag lighter socket.
Would i be better of running a set of leads straight from battery.
rgds.iandouglas

 

[zippy656]

to be safest id think hard wire if pos with larger cables.

but feel see if the cars wireing is warming up too

 

[harlowmaverick]

if you do hard wire it dont forget to add an extra fuse near the battery :augie

 

[zippy656]

could always add a relay and switch too...

 

[Terranosaurus]

I've had this with those litle 12v compressors. Unless the cig lighter socket and plug are a perfect match you can end up with all the current passing through a tiny point where the 2 parts touch - thus the heat build up. I much prefere to use the DIN type power outlets for 12v supplies, like tese HERE.

But even with the above style conector you have to be careful wat you ae buying as some have a complete ring of conductor and some just a single point, best to get full ones both for plug and socket, if single point on both then for most positions you plug them together they don't conduct and also you're back to carrying all the current through small point.

 

[iandouglas]

Thanks for the help guys.
The din socket looks good and neat I think we have something similar for flashing beacons on the Cat back hoes.
Already thought of fuse at battery thanks for reminder though.
Thinking about it some more I have the roof bar and spotlights fuse pack and heavy duty cable (suitable for 24v lighting on the Cats so could kill to birds with one stone.
I wondered if it was bad connection that was causing the heat build up ,
had same trouble with tyre inflater.
rgds.iandouglas