Piranha Merrit Socket Female with cover
$16.01
The Piranha Off Road Merrit female socket is a panel mount 12 volt accessory outlet with a spring loaded cover. It is a straightforward way to add a solid power point for Merrit-style plugs in a 4WD, ute canopy, camper or boat, feeding gear like fridges, lighting and compressors.
Key features
- Merrit-style female socket for 12 volt accessory plugs
- Aluminium body
- Spring loaded cover keeps the contacts protected when nothing is plugged in
- Supplied with a mounting nut for panel installation
- Rated to a maximum of 20 amps at 12 volts
Specifications
- Part number: DBFS
- Body material: aluminium
- Maximum rating: 20 amps at 12 volts
Fitting and advice
Complete 4x4 stocks Piranha Off Road gear at our Burwood workshop, where our team can fit it for you or talk through what suits your setup. Call 03 9808 8966 with any questions.
Know before you buy
Before you buy a battery set-up
A second battery runs your fridge, lights and charging without touching the starting battery. Modern vehicles and lithium batteries change how that system should be built.
- Smart alternators
Many late-model vehicles have smart alternators that vary their voltage. A simple isolator doesn't charge a second battery well from these, so a DC-DC charger is recommended (Redarc).
- Where lithium can go
Lithium batteries must not go in the engine bay: the heat is too much (Redarc, Enerdrive). They go in the cabin, tub or canopy.
- Charge it correctly
Lithium needs a charger with a lithium profile, and most can't be charged below 0 C unless the battery is heated. Don't mix battery brands or sizes in one system (Redarc).
- Sizing solar
Work out how many watt-hours you use a day and divide by 5 to 6 sun hours to size your panels. A panel laid flat can lose up to 38% of its output (Enerdrive).
Common questions
Do I need a DC-DC charger?
If your vehicle has a smart alternator, yes: isolators charge poorly from them. A DC-DC charger also gives the second battery the right charging profile, including for lithium (Redarc).
Can a lithium battery go under the bonnet?
No. Battery makers say lithium batteries can't handle engine bay heat and must not be installed there (Redarc, Enerdrive).
Lithium or AGM?
Lithium needs a charger with a lithium profile, a location out of the engine bay and, below 0 C, a heated battery to charge. Compare usable capacity and weight on each battery's specifications, and follow its maker's mounting guidance.
How much solar do I need for a fridge?
Add up your daily use in watt-hours, then divide by 5 to 6 sun hours (Redarc). Allow extra if the panel will lie flat or sit in shade.
Can I run my fridge off the starting battery?
You can, but you risk a flat battery and no start. A second battery with a DC-DC charger keeps the starting battery for the engine.