Motorhome Connections

We can group these into a few simple categories

Electrical connections on proper motorhomes are via an industry standard IP44 rated 16A 3PIN IEC-60309, often shortened to IEC309, sometimes called a MAYPOLE Connector, or MP372B or MP373B

Vehicle Fitting (Male) White

Vehicle Fitting (Black) White

10M Extension Lead

25M Extension Lead

There are a number of different standards for low voltage connections, some legacy and some fairly recent. Essentially when we're talking low voltage we're talking about 12v and 24v.

Connector	Name	Description
	The SAE Connector	A common connector used for 12V often in vehicles which is often just referred to as the SAE connector, but its proper name is the SAE J928. This 12V connector is over-moulded and can be quite water resistant when connected correctly, which promotes its use for external cables. These connectors are very often provided on battery chargers or maintainers as well as a selection of solar power devices and high capacity power banks. A selection of SAE Connectors available at Amazon for next day delivery
	The XT30 / XT60 / XT90 Connector	A standard that originates from Remote Control Toys is the XT series of connectors. These have become popular in the last decade or two because of their polarisation, secure connection and ability to carry high currents. Technically speaking the XT30 can handle 15A, the XT60 can handle 30A and the XT90 can handle 40A but these are from the specification and not all products available online are fully compliant with said specification (especially those from China). A selection of XT Connectors from Amazon available for next day delivery
	The infamous Cigarette Lighter	Back in the far distant past, expensive cars we equip with a device for lighting cigarettes, which worked by heating a metal strip until it was hot enough to light the roll of burning leaves. Of course no one 'smokes' anymore but cars still come with the sockets because they've mutated into a socket for things like USB Chargers, tyre pumps, lights, etc. This plug/socket is probably one of the worst in its class, with a wishy washy fitting and relatively low current carrying capacity, but, they are literally everywhere so we should talk about it here. A selection of Cigarette Lighter cables available Next day from Amazon
	The European / DIN Cigarette Connector	Yes, seriously, the European's have a different connector for lighting their cigarettes, but in all fairness our cigarette lighter came from the USA so perhaps I shouldn't be too quick to judge especially when the European connector is better in pretty much every way. This connector, which is often referred to as the Euro DIN connector forms a firm connection with its socket and can carry more current. There's little information on where this connector originated except some suggestion that Hella had some involvement. A Selection of Euro DIN Connectors and Cables from Amazon
	The Clipsal W4 37589	Sometimes referred to as the PA178, CPS 5016 or Clipsal Type 2 and is rated at 10A. The obvious issue with this connector is that its not polarised so the plug can be inserted either way around if pushed hard enough. Clipsal did produce an adapter cable, the CPS 5044 to convert this into a standard cigarette lighter but be aware of the reverse polarity issue which can easily damage electronics so the best option is to replace these with a more modern 12V socket
	The Clipsal W4 37568	Another Clipsal connector is the polarised version of the Type 2 Sometimes referred to as the “W4 37568”, rated at 10A, although this solved the issue with incorrect polarisation, the uptake was slow and you rarely see this connector.
	The Anderson Connector	Developed by Anderson Power Products (APP) this connector range was designed for high current low voltage applications and was originally patented in 1958. This range of connectors are sometimes used to connect/isolate leisure batteries as well has being the connector for some high capacity battery packs and solar generators. These connectors were originally developed to support high power radio equipment, later becoming common place on bettery powered industrial machinery and for connecting battery banks in Uninterruptible Power Supplies. A Selection of Anderson Connectors and Cables from Amazon