ISO 4165 facts for kids
ISO 4165 is a special type of electrical connector. It's like a plug and socket that helps power electronic devices in vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles. This standard was created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which makes sure things like plugs and sockets work the same way all over the world.
This connector is designed to provide direct current (DC) power, usually between 12 and 24 volts, and can handle up to 12 amps of electricity. It looks a bit like the "cigar lighter" socket you might see in a car, but it's usually shorter and has a smaller opening. Interestingly, this type of connector was first used on German military vehicles during World War II. The most recent version of this standard was updated in 2001.
Other Names for the ISO 4165 Connector
This handy connector is known by a few different names, depending on where you are or who makes it:
- BMW Accessory Plug: You'll often find this name because it's commonly used on BMW motorcycles to power accessories.
- Powerlet Connector: This name comes from a company called Powerlet, which is well-known for making these connectors.
- Hella Plug or Merit Plug: In places like Australia, people often call it by these names.
Some companies even make a special plug that combines both the larger cigar lighter plug and the smaller Powerlet plug into one, so you can use it in different types of sockets.
