Learn why swapping to this robust connection prevents power loss and protects your 12V gear on corrugated roads.

Overview – Why This Matters

This guide explains why standard 12V cigarette plugs fail off-road and how the humble Anderson plug solves the problem. It is written for caravanners looking to secure their fridge, solar and battery connections against vibration and dust. You will learn about colour coding, durability and why these plugs are the standard for touring.

Words and photos The Adventuring Pals

Why Use Anderson Plugs for 12V Power?

When you need a solid plug connection that’s going to handle a lot of current, is easy to use and minimises user error, you use an Anderson plug. These connectors work so well because they are simple. They can only be plugged in one way, into the same size and same colour, meaning once properly set up, the system is pretty well fool proof.

Common 4WD and Caravan Applications

Anytime you need to connect and disconnect a point in an electrical setup. For example, a power supply to a trailer that can be plugged in while towing and disconnected when not towing. I have one in the power supply from my main battery to my ute canopy’s dual battery setup. This allows easy disconnection for when I remove the canopy as needed.

Understanding Anderson Plug Colour Coding

You can also use different colours for different applications, such as solar inputs. Matching colours can then be connected together preventing issues like a power supply being plugged into an incorrect system.

Preventing Power Loss and Disconnections

It’s also a fairly robust and rugged system that withstands accidental disconnection due to movement and vibrations, unlike a standard cigarette plug setup. For this reason alone, it’s a great idea to change the plug on your 12V fridge from a cigarette plug to an Anderson plug.

In my own experience, I’ve had my fridge unplug many times with a cigarette plug setup. Once converting to an Anderson plug I haven’t experienced this issue again. They are pretty well resistant to weather, dust and water, so they don’t require any major maintenance, just make sure to keep them relatively clean.

• Elvin Pal, caravanning adventurer and qualified electrician.

Highlights:

✅ Vibration Resistant: Prevents fridges from unplugging on bumpy roads.

✅ Current Handling: Designed to handle high current loads safely.

✅ Foolproof Safety: Colour coding prevents cross-connecting different systems.

Q: Why should I use an Anderson plug for my fridge?

A: Unlike cigarette plugs, Anderson plugs are vibration resistant and handle high current, preventing accidental power loss on rough roads .

Q: Can I plug a grey Anderson plug into a red one?

A: No, Anderson plugs are designed to only connect with plugs of the same colour to prevent cross-connection issues.