20 Amp cigarette outlet in GC "garage"

[leeb]

Hi
I removed this outlet to inspect the cables ...they look mighty small to potentially be carrying 20A...and the plug gets pretty hot when trying to charge an ecoflow at 8A draw.
Am I alone in thinking that this is a potentially dangerous design flaw?...also maybe reduce the fuse to 10A??

 

[GordonH]

That connector style is not capable of 20A continuous. I did a sequence of heat run tests and posted the results on the UK Facebook group. Suggest you keep things to 6A or under for continuous use.

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[leeb]

Or....replace outlet with something safer?..perhaps a solar xt60 type connector??
Clearly begs a question...why on earth is this fitted, and labelled as such, to a VW vehicle?
Very odd

 

[GordonH]

Yes. Baffling really but not uncommon to see these connectors rated for 180W. As comments in that FB thread I wrote its very common connector style in the automotive sector and often stated as capable of 10A and above. To my thinking it should have been left as the designer originally intended, lighting cigarettes! It is a very poor connector for powering appliances beyond a few amps. I’ve run a separate circuit with a Neutrik speakon style connector for my EcoFlow which is a better rated connector. Anderson types are also a common choice.

 

[leeb]

This is precisely what I am trying to figure out...are you able to give me the details of the circuit you've devised?
I've thought of taking a fused spur from the input to the DC isolator but is there an easier option ?

 

[GordonH]

Took the 12V from the back of the red isolator switch in the utility cupboard via a separate 40A midi style fuse.