Deffheads Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 I have just purchased a 100w folding solar panel. What is the best way to connect via an external socket? Where do I buy the waterproof socket? I am thinking of an IP66 240v external socket mounted under the van. Has anyone other suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weldted Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 Just buy a marine weather prof plug and socket. Max rating 10 amp @ 12 volt d.c. should be more than ample. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plwsm2000 Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 You could look at the Bulgin "buccaneer" range that are IP68. You need some sort of cap to protect the connector when not in use. https://cpc.farnell.com/c/cable-leads-connectors/connectors/circular-multipole-connectors/industrial-circular-connectors?brand=bulgin&no-of-contacts=2contacts [/url] Alternatively, these should also be suitable. https://cpc.farnell.com/mbs-connect/sp1312-p2c/circular-panel-plug-2-pole/dp/CN21335 [/url] https://cpc.farnell.com/mbs-connect/sp1310-s2iic/circular-socket-2-pole-5-8mm-ip68/dp/CN21314 [/url] Generally you should put a socket on the solar panel cable (as it is the source of power) and a plug on the motorhome. I would not use a standard 3 pin 240V connector as sooner or later, someone will plug it into the mains! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 I have done the same for years now. I had a junction box inside a locker. The wiring from the roof mounted panel was fed into it and a Hella (DIN) socket mounted in it with its wiring connected to the roof panel wiring. A Hella plug was fitted to the freestanding panel wiring. The panel was laid face down, the wiring plugged in and the panel propped up to face the Sun. Removal was a reverse of the setup. I have slightly changed the setup in the past few weeks as my 11 years old Schaudt Regulator failed and I fitted a Votronic MPPT regulator in a different part of the van. I found that using a Wagobox and Wago connectors made the new connections neat and easy to do. https://www.toolstation.com/electrical/cable-connectors-terminals/c1133 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deffheads Posted October 20, 2020 Author Share Posted October 20, 2020 Sounds like the way to go, I never realised marine applications would work. Also I can't help but agree about using a domestic socket, with future owners plugging in the mains! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickB Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 As an ex sailor I have used these extensively and being glass filled fibre they are very robust and no corrosion. I have a socket under my van wired through the floor to the regulator and it has a cap to seal when not connected. The plug is on the solar cable. I appreciate the it is desirable to have the socket on the power side, but it is low voltage and just make sure the panel is covered while connecting and disconnecting. Do shop around for the best price as this link is just to show the product. Dick https://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/Index-Marine-Bulgin-2-Pin-Plug-and-Low-Flange-Socket-DP2-MTIMDP2.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul- Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 I have my connecter in the battery locker, its in the small section where the 240v connects and uses the cut in the bottom of the locker door for the solar cable entry. I have a lawnmower type connector on my set up, the type that only fits one way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deffheads Posted October 29, 2020 Author Share Posted October 29, 2020 Still looking for the solution for this, the battery is under passenger seat so need to mount an external socket for connection to solar panel. Have looked at small chrome marine products , but not liking them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 Much depends on the thickness of the wiring used, but (similar to the above), for two 'vans I've used a good quality DIN (Hella) plug with a surface-mount DIN socket wired to the leisure battery and mounted on the outer face of the seat base. The wiring to the panel was easily led through the passenger door seal, negating the need for anything external. Current 'van is similar but the battery is in a side locker, and the seal to this is no problem. I find I still have a picture on file. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 Deffheads - 2020-10-29 2:59 PM Still looking for the solution for this, the battery is under passenger seat so need to mount an external socket for connection to solar panel. Have looked at small chrome marine products , but not liking them. If you read my earlier post, there is no need for an external socket, you can mount it in a locker. Mine is just inside on a fly lead. I removed a short length of the outer insulation on the twin core 2.5 mm sq lead from the panel and the locker door closes OK on the twin wires. Also, I changed the crap Whale socket near my fresh water inlet for a plastic Hella DIN socket. If a cheap and nasty Whale socket can survive for years on an external situation, I see no need for marine quality products. Sometimes one can over think and over engineer answers, I often found this in my career in engineering. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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