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« Reference - Table of ContentsGlossary of Power Outlet Types
The three most commonly used connector types:
Cigarette/Cigar Lighter - This is your basic automotive type connector. Unfortunately there are no standards for the design of either the plugs or the sockets. Keep in mind this was never designed to be a connector; it was designed to be a cigarette lighter.
The connection between plug and socket can be intermittent or even non-existent. There is no standard to dictate how the plugs and sockets are manufactured. The sockets are manufactured in two popular sizes, 21mm & 22.2mm (inside diameter). Also while the center terminal is always positive, the design of the terminals can vary widely. These variables can cause a mismatch between the plug and the socket. Primarily it causes problems with loose or sloppy fits between the various manufacturers plugs and the socket.
Vibration must be minimized and 21mm sockets are highly recommended. Our experience shows that even well manufactured cigarette plugs & sockets have a tendency to vibrate out of the socket when mounted directly to a motorcycle frame or panel. We believe that the fused, "spring loaded" center terminal actually "pushes" the plug out. However, these are a very popular format and under the right conditions, they can work just fine.
Advantages: Popular, one hand operation. Many appliances are supplied with this type of connector.
Disadvantages: Big - it requires the most mounting space, problems mating plugs and sockets, not weather resistant, not reliable, not capable of high current loads like heated clothing.
Caution: Many cigar sockets are not capable of high current loads like heated clothing.
Powerlet™ - This is the same connector that BMW has been using on their motorcycles for many years. For that reason they are sometimes referred to as a "BMW type". These connectors are more popular in Europe than in the US. These sockets and plugs are all manufactured to industry standard specifications. Therefore they are compatible, independent of the socket or plug manufacturer. Some sockets are made of plastic; others are metal. High quality Powerlet sockets are machined from aluminum. The plastic ones typically do not hold the plug well and they will heat up during high current operation. Overall this connector type is well suited for small vehicle applications. On these connectors the center terminal is always positive. Due to the DIN spec they all require an 18mm mounting hole, even the stock BMW's adhere to this standard. The lid in the picture is held partially open for photographic purposes; it would normally snap shut. With over 12 patents pending Jastek Engineering is pioneering the road to adopt this form factor as the industry standard motorcycle connector.
Advantages: Small size, one hand operation, aesthetically pleasing, will not scratch the paint like a dangling cord, solid connection between plug and socket, high current capability, weather resistant, high reliability.
Disadvantages: Not as popular as the SAE and Cigarette lighter connectors in the US, more expensive than SAE connectors.
SAE 2/Pin - This is often referred to as a "Trailer Connector". This connector type is what comes stock with newer Battery Tender brand battery chargers. It is a very good choice for certain applications. One drawback is it requires two hands to plug & unplug. This can become cumbersome when using a heated vest. Polarity can be tricky on these connectors. The female terminal of the vehicle-powered connector is positive, which means the male terminal of the connector receiving power is also positive.
Advantages: , ease of use and popularity. For some applications it is an excellent choice.
Disadvantages: For applications like operating a heated vest it is not ideal. It requires a two-handed operation, & it may scratch the paint. Permanent "dangling" wires arguably do not look good. Wire's exiting the battery area from between frame members & the seat often wear through the insulation and blow the fuse; it is therefore not very reliable for some applications.
Other connector types:
Widder type - Used exclusively by Widder for their heated clothing. It resembles a banana plug.
Audio Connectors (Qui-Connect) - Used mostly by Aerostich for heated clothing.
Amp Superseal 1.5 - Used by Giali
Adaptaplug - This design, while not perfect, is very useful. It allows the use of one wiring harness with every conceivable type of cylindrical power plug for music, camcorders, radar detectors, GPS units etc.
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