It's all about knowing what to ask for ...

[Descolada]

I am trying to source some electrical connectors that are detatchable. It's the kind of thing you might use to make a circuit on something that is removable from your bike (a pannier or top box for example) but re-establishes the connection when the item is clipped back on to the bike. Quite often these contacts are sprung loaded in order to make a good connection.

Does anyone know where I might source this kind of thing please?

[Juvecu]

I know what will work, can see it in my mind, but I don't know what it's called and I can't find any using Google so that I can show you a picture. Think car door connector for wiring that goes to the back of the car. When the door is open all you see are some spring loaded pins on the one side and some contacts on the  other side where they will press when the door is closed.

[Juvecu]

Found something:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261410252190
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131115353157
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131115353135

[Juvecu]

http://www.auto-accessories.com/poweraccessory/

[Descolada]

Outstanding Juvecu, thanks. I had managed to get closer to it with this..

.. but these are too damned expensive. For some reason I can not fathom I always forget to include things I may have experienced in cars  

[greywolf]

Outstanding Juvecu, thanks. I had managed to get closer to it with this..

.. but these are too damned expensive. For some reason I can not fathom I always forget to include things I may have experienced in cars  

Those are contact connectors, used for things like phones and sat-navs. You want male/female connectors that have more contact area to handle higher loads like lights.

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Elec_ ... ctors.html

For example:

[Juvecu]

The ones I linked with the picture above seem to have a good contact area.

[Descolada]

I've decided to give a set of these a try - it's just for projects where I have electronics on panniers, topbox and items I may want to power but also want to connect and disconnect quickly.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Van-Sliding-Door-Contacts-for-central-locking-VSDC01-/360472357034?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Safety_Security&hash=item53edd3a8aa

[bigpie]

http://www.auto-accessories.com/poweraccessory/

Hmm, that might come in useful, I'll be bookmarking that. Thanks

[Juvecu]

They look like they have a keyed fit, should ensure that it doesn't move about. Where are you installing these? Be sure to take pics, I've thought of getting a 12V feed into my top box like this. Want to have my radios and other electrical stuff charging in there while riding.

[bigpie]

I currently have additional brake lights in the top box, with a wire coming out and 2 bullets on, I was happy enough with that until seeing this post, now I might look at neatening it up when I have spare time.

[Descolada]

.. Where are you installing these? Be sure to take pics ..

My primary idea is to add a little extra lighting to panniers/topbox etc. These things could also be used for rearward facing cameras etc, but as well as fitting well they need to be waterproof and oblivious to shocks and vibrations. I will find out more once they arrive and will, of course, take photos of anything I mock up.  

... a small 12v fridge for beer comes to mind  

[kirky1298]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/sliding-door-contact

[Juvecu]

It's 12v or there abouts, it doesn't really matter all that much if it gets a bit wet.

[greywolf]

The ones I linked with the picture above seem to have a good contact area.

I still think those are spring loaded point contacts. These for sure do not.



If one side doesn't fit into another, contact area is iffy.

[Jay2]

If you are not planning on using it as a power lead then have a wonder down to your nearest Halfrauds, sounds like you need something that they use for in-car audio systems, especially if you have speakers in your rear parcel shelf and need to connect/disconnect the wiring on a regular and easy basis.

Last time I needed something like this for my car it was called a 'Banana Connector' ?!  

[mjc506]

I'm sure I remember someone using the spring bits out of a battery holder. Not exactly waterproof, but good enough for power. Maybe a bit fragile though.