Need assistance with identifying power input type for diesel heater

Hey TW,

I purchased a Sunster Toolbox Diesel heater late last year. Cheap Chinese diesel heater that had some decent reviews.

My issue is that the input plug on the unit failed and I can't seem to find the type of "inlet/socket" replacement and don't know what it is called. I figured I'd throw out here to the community and someone would know what to do. I'm guessing there is a possibility that someone might have a alternative solution and I'm open to that as well.

Here are some pics: (I had to JB Weld it on a three week trip to get it to work, but now would like to replace it)

 

Bump

 

Replace both ends with an SAE connectors

 

Did you call Sunster by chance? I have one to curious if they were helpful or not. & did male pice of plug come undone?

 

Take better photo of the male plug.

Looks similar to the plugs a 12v fridge uses.

 

Ok, I'll research and look into that. Would I not be using the AC/DC adapter and just running it off DC if I do that?

Hey @AK Dudeman , I emailed them. I believe they are in Asia because all the communication was late. I'm not sure I can call them.
I posted a review on Amazon (the date is Dec 24th 2024, but I updated it in late April after returning from a long trip) Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B0D49WJMCK?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

What happened was the two metal prongs (male) that stick through the plastic piece that accepts the plug from the AC/DC adapter broke away from the plastic piece and fell into the unit. Fortunately, the only portion of that unit that is not riveted and has two screws is that plug. I was able to put the plugs back in and JB weld it and that worked for one night. The next night I went to plug it in and it broke away from the plastic at a new place outside of the area I JB welded it. I was above 8K feet and getting snowed on and had to figure it out. So out came the JB weld again and I put so much on to get it to work that it won't fit back in the unit.

I did a lot of searching last night and from the Amazon review it is only listed as "AC/DC power adapter" in one pic and listed as "power input interface" in another pic. So, the response I received after contacting Sunster about a replacement was:


So, I wouldn't call that helpful. I've asked for a replacement and they haven't replied. But after watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlSbNo3QwnE&t=330s
I'm considering just wiring a DC connector to it. My only concern being my bluetti power station not being able to handle the startup Volts/Amps??? I know nothing about electrical. I'm also switching to Lithium house battery soon, and don't think that would be an issue.

@steveo27 I think you're right. The only thing I could find last night that was close was this:



I don't know how I could take any "better" pictures of the plug than I did in my original post. Let me know exactly what you need me to capture better and I can do that. But, again, I think you're right about it being the same plug as the 12V fridges use. I just don't know if there are different sizes, etc. and was hoping someone here might know.

 

Ok, I didn't see your chart the first time. Maybe you added it later. But that helps a lot. I think it must be C11/C12. You wouldn't happen to know where I might find the male C12 portion would you?

 

The iec c12 male end can be found on Amazon

 

What are you plugging that into? Looks like you are using the 110 to 12v power supply. I'd think running it straight from a 12v source would be more efficient and easier, and could simply replace with an SAE connector as mentioned above.

 

Correct, the unit came with the 110 to 12v adapter cable that I was using. I'm liking the sound of converting it to straight 12V DC. So for the end that connects into a Bluetti power station what would that end be? The cigarette plug?

So just use butt connectors to wire this (below) directly to the heater?


Sorry, I really am not educated when it comes to anything electrical.

 

Normally, yeah, I'd say cigarette plug into Bluetti and SAE on the other end into your heater... HOWEVER, a lot of Diesel heaters require more than 10amps draw when firing up the glow plug, which will trip the breaker of a power stations cigarette plug. It's sorta 50/50 if this will happen. Some diesel heaters are just over 10 amps, some are just under. I have friends with similar Diesel heaters, and some run off their Bluetti 10amp 12v port, and some have to use the 110v power supply like you have and plug into the bluetti using the inverter.

Take a look at the labeling on your Diesel heater and see if you can find the maximum wattage or amperage listed.

If your Bluetti has the 30amp 12v port, you could get that weird aviation connector or whatever it's called.

 

And don't be sorry. I knew nothing of this stuff til a friend helped me with my first buildout on my truck. Gotta start somewhere!!

 

Hey Ryan, thanks man!

I think that is what this guy in this video is talking about. Time stamp 5:42: https://youtu.be/DlSbNo3QwnE?t=342

Here is the label on the side of the heater:


The other thing I'm thinking about is, the season is over for using this for me. But I like to maintain my setup and fix stuff when it needs it. But, by the time I need to use it again, I'll have switched to LifePO4 house battery, instead of using my dual AGM battery setup now. Thanks to a lot of help from @turbodb! I'm wondering if I should just set it up to run off of a connector that would plug more easily into that system. I think that SAE connectors to the heater itself is the way to go, but then to run of the lithium could I get away with another type of connector to the lithium power setup?

 

Female SAE on the heater side is your best bet.

Then you can make whatever harnesses you need to power it from whatever you choose

 

so the 12A listed could be an issue for the Bluetti, or a regular cigarette port that's only fused at 10amps. If you're doing a House battery /12v battery setup, I'd just have a small fuse block for all your accessories, and just wire that to an SAE for your heater. Shouldn't have any issue running directly off a battery. It's just these power stations that only put out 10amps that is the issue. But again, it MIGHT not be an issue, only way to know is to test it.

Good luck!!

 

Hey Steve, thanks.
I think I get what you're saying. Kinda like this guy is talking about? I put it at the point in the video that I'm referring to.
https://youtu.be/Ylml-ogE3FE?t=587

 

Basically.