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Topic ClosedZAMP solar plug in jack uage
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Rustler View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 May 2016
Location: S. Oregon Coast
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Posts: 100 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: ZAMP solar plug in jack uage
    Posted: 26 May 2016 at 4:18pm
Originally posted by Podster

The plug is an "SAE" you can find them anywhere, but to a 10g size you may have to shop on line. I'm sure you can find one or two on Ebay. 

The POD is likely lacking the inline fuse on the charge lines due to the Zamp certification. 

This is a popular setup that can be fitted for the POD pretty darn easy. I agree with the idea that its always good insurance to include an inline fuse on the power side Good luck!






The reason for having a fuse on the charge side is due to requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC). The charge controller is sitting between a solar panel and a battery, which is capable of very high currents. The NEC considers the charge controller to be a potential short circuit during a fault condition. A fuse is required to protect battery wires during a short circuit fault condition.

The NEC is complex and often hard to understand. But it is worth following for fire safety reasons as well as protecting expensive equipment. The following link takes you to a lengthy discussion of the code from a solar power system perspective. There are some practical examples discussed as to properly protect a solar system and comply with the NEC.

The article is entitled:
Photovoltaic Power Systems And the 2005 National Electrical Code: Suggested Practices 
Russ
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Posts: 23 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Apr 2016 at 12:58pm
Just got an R Pod 178 last week. Dealer ordered plug and I bought after market 80Watt panel. Huge savings
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 2:36pm
Git-er-done!
A great idea. Who said the Yankees have one up on us Southern boys!
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Posts: 8 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 2:14pm
 I was passing by the boating stuff at the local Walmart and found a 10 gauge, SAE 2pin used as a quick disconnect for a trolling motor.  I had to splice it onto the leads from my solar panels using crimp butt splices and it works swell.
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Feb 2016 at 9:01am
Thanks for the homework!
This is all coming together now.
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 8:16pm
The plug is an "SAE" you can find them anywhere, but to a 10g size you may have to shop on line. I'm sure you can find one or two on Ebay. 

The POD is likely lacking the inline fuse on the charge lines due to the Zamp certification. 

This is a popular setup that can be fitted for the POD pretty darn easy. I agree with the idea that its always good insurance to include an inline fuse on the power side Good luck!
Cliff & Raelynn
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(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 8:03pm
Originally posted by sailor323

The plug  is one of several standard 12 volt plugs, readily available from many sources.  It is a 2 pin or 2 wire connector.  If you go that route get one rated for 10 amps.  And yes, you can save a lot over the cost of a Zamp set up.  For example, I bought 2 140 watt panels for $232 each.  Bear in mind, these panels are too large to be used as a "suitcase" unit.  Smaller panels are available--80 watt panels for about $160 each.  You also need a charge controller--$90 and up, up, up.  Also bear in mind that most charge controllers have to be mounted out of the weather but there are some on the market designed for harsh environments.  That's another advantage for the Zamp unit, the charge controller is integral to the panels.  I have posted a detailed description of my solar installation in the files section of the R-Pod owners Facebook page.

Thanks for the heads up. I will be looking into this for sure!
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 9:09am
The plug  is one of several standard 12 volt plugs, readily available from many sources.  It is a 2 pin or 2 wire connector.  If you go that route get one rated for 10 amps.  And yes, you can save a lot over the cost of a Zamp set up.  For example, I bought 2 140 watt panels for $232 each.  Bear in mind, these panels are too large to be used as a "suitcase" unit.  Smaller panels are available--80 watt panels for about $160 each.  You also need a charge controller--$90 and up, up, up.  Also bear in mind that most charge controllers have to be mounted out of the weather but there are some on the market designed for harsh environments.  That's another advantage for the Zamp unit, the charge controller is integral to the panels.  I have posted a detailed description of my solar installation in the files section of the R-Pod owners Facebook page.
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 7:02pm
Originally posted by sailor323

Frankly, I'm surprised that it isn't already fused.  It should be even if used for solar charging.

I've said the same thing.  Big fire risk IMO.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 39 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 2:15pm
Originally posted by sailor323

One other consideration when buying "plug and play" is that you don't get to choose who actually manufactures the panel.

As for the Zamp plug on the pod, it runs directly to the battery.  As such, you can use it for a 12 volt source to run 12 volt appliances.  You should fuse it if you do.  Frankly, I'm surprised that it isn't already fused.  It should be even if used for solar charging.


Sounds like if a person were to research who the female plug manufacturer was one could fashion their own solar panel arrangement and save some major moola.Wink
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