S. Heisley wrote:
-What makes them better and why?
-Are there more products than before?
-If a person adds a power pole outlet to their trailer, what can they plug directly into it?
-Do we still have to use an adapter or modify the ends of our cigarette lighter-style plugs?
-Are power poles just a flash in the pan or here to stay?
-Other thoughts and questions?
Better is a relative term as everything is a compromise. I've never used em (but will someday) but based upon what I see these are my thoughts:
Better: Larger surface area so more reliable contact, reasonably easy to work with (some might find installing cigarette lighter plugs a PITA).
More products than before? I don't believe they are compatible with any other brands but they've been around a while now and seem to be growing in popularity. They make a variety of sizes for different needs.
What will plug into them directly? Nothing that I know of. One would have to cut the current plug off "whatever" and replace with a power pole connector.
Adapters: You could make adapters (cigarette plug/power pole) so you have a "universal" system. If you're "gaget" has zip cord the wiring is pretty straight forward. Coax is a bit tougher but is doable. A major reason to use em is getting rid of the little contact point of the cigarette plug so I think you'd want to cut the cigarette plug off, install a power pole for the primary connector on your doo dad, and use an adapter (if reqired) to plug into a cigarette lighter.
Flash in the pan: No guaranties in life but (after all the bankruptcies lately) but I think one would be reasonably safe purchasing them. Life itself is, in some respects, a "flash in the pan"!
Other thoughts: Currently there is not a "universal standard". I suspect these connectors are patented but when the patent runs out I wouldn't be surprised to see "clones" appear that are compatible. Mabye I'll/We'll be around when that happens, maybe not! Powerpoles are cool and are a good alternative to cigarette lighter connectors.
Cheers,
Gus
The opinions in this post are my own. My comments are directed to those that might like an alternative approach to those already espoused.There is the right way,the wrong way,the USMC way, your way, my way, and the highway.
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