$2 Chicom Combo Conventional/Powerlet Plug

[frankenduck]

Was cruising Fleabay a couple of weeks ago and stumbled across this $2 plug that works for both conventional and Powerlet applications.  Being crap from China  I did not have the highest quality expectations and figured it was worth risking a whopping $2,50 shipped to check it out but when it arrived today I must admit that it's actually a nice little gizmo.  It's made from decent, apparently durable plastic and has a pretty good design.

So, here's what it looks like:

For Powerlet use, the red ring twists off.  The red ring has a right angle locking mechanism similar to how a turn signal bulb locks into the socket so it stays on firmly and won't just fall off.

Then came the moment of truth. What does it look like inside?  Actually pretty good IMO.  A couple of little screws for attaching wires to the terminals and a little fuse at the tip.  The Fleabay listing says 8 amps but the fuse says 250W on it.  Unlike some other plugs like this the fuse and a spring don't come flying out when you open it up.  Since the copper band serves as the spring the fuse stays right at home.

I tired it in a car lighter socket and it works fine.  I tried it in a BMW Powerlet socket and it's a snug fit that clicks at the end upon insertion.  It certainly won't be falling out.

I give it two thumbs up.

That's my review and I'm sticking to it.

Linky to Fleabay item: http://www.ebay.com/itm/160931520245?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[detbmw]

That is pretty cool.

I bought a cycle pump (all metal) to take with my on the road and it came with a similar red ring on the adapter so that you could use it with either plug in. I haven't tried it, but I assume once you have the red ring, you could slide it onto any powerlet adapter you have and it would become a conventional plug.

[Dragwn]

Yeah, digging up more that has been buried for awhile.

So, do you simply chop off the plug that us on whatever you want to use this with and connect the wires to the two points inside the plug? Soldering I would expect is best for a solid connection. I want to make one for the Slime compressor I carry and one for a usb charging cable.

Thanks

[TimTyler]

I got rid of the euro-plugs and either hardwired in USB adapters or quick connects like these:

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I had one of those plugs come with a trickle charger.  At first it wouldn't work in the Hella outlets on my bikes and I had to take it apart and reshape the ground contacts so they would make a connection in the socket.  Other than that, it seems to be working properly and keeping my batteries charged.