Accessory Wiring and Power Outlets

On forums and over a beer there are many discussions with regard to how to wire accessories and accessory
power outlets. There are many alternatives and options in wiring any machine. The real point though is to
ensure the wiring is safe, documented and able to be easily worked on or isolate individual devices and their
wiring while out on the road to avoid lengthy fault finding exercises.
The notes on the different types of outlet sockets below are intended to assist in avoiding the pitfalls.

Car Cigarette Lighter Sockets

Many people mount these into the dash fascia panels for use with device
adaptors produced for cars. These sockets are poor for use on motorcycles,
particularly the GS as they have no retention mechanism to guard against
intermittent connections over bumps. Poor connections with modern
electronics can cause noise and devices intermittently powering off. The
“water proof” sockets available are not water proof when devices are plugged
in, vertically mounting allows water to collect in the socket eventually leading
to blown fuses and device failures. The best solution is to have them in the
tank bag with a lead back to a socket like the BMW accessory socket.

USB Outlets
The adoption of 5v as a standard for many electronic devices and device
chargers has resulted in many “water proof” USB panels becoming available.
While connection is better than the cigarette lighter sockets they are still not
water proof when devices are plugged in and that is the time the water
proofing is most needed. As per the cigarette lighter sockets the best solution
is to have them in the tank bag with a lead back to a socket like the BMW
accessory socket.

SAE Plugs and Sockets

These can provide reasonably waterproof connections but can also be a source
of reversed connections where extension leads are used.
They do not normally have panel mount capability so they tend to be just a
cable end tucked under the seat or some other location. Overall they are not
recommended and where used careful checking of polarity should be done
prior to connection of any device.

BMW Accessory Socket

The BMW accessory socket is a standard European “merit” socket, more
properly called an ISO 4165 socket, the design has contact retention so it
provides a more stable connection and as can be seen from the pic opposite.
BMW mount the socket facing down at an angle so that water cannot collect
in the socket. It is good for battery charging with the 12 amp rating as it is
connected to the battery via a fuse and extending power to the tank bag for
portable accessories rather than permanently installed devices.

DC Panel Sockets
These sockets are commonly used on electronic equipment and there are a
number of different standards specifying the dimensions and current ratings.
The most common is IEC 60130-10 or DIN 45323 with 6.00 mm OD, 1.98
mm ID commonly called 2.5” DC plugs or Coaxial plugs by US Powerlet Co.
The sockets are ideal for mounting in a dash to extend power to removable
devices or tank bags. They are small, rated to 3 amps and the panel mount
versions have a split pin as per the pic opposite to ensure good connections.

© 2017 crossroadz – Revision 1