1. introduction to the problem

this image shows three different 12-volt power sockets. power sockets were initially known as 'in-car cigarette lighters' because that it what they were originally intended for and was all they were used for. with the development of low-power electronics, it transpired that this useful little outlet to the car (boat, caravan etc.) power source meant that we would power GPS, cellphone chargers and of course, spotlight™!

you are probably familiar with the traditional 12-volt charger input, with a nipple on the top and bumps on at least 2 sides to ensure a snug fit in as many outlets as possible. of course, we could have made the spotlight ™ with these bumps too, but we felt it was more important to maintain the sleek and sexy design - we hope you agree!

2. recorded data

the problem that comes about from choosing not to include these lumps and bumps on the spotlight's ™ award-winning curves is that in some power-outlets it is not possible to get a tight fit enough to ensure a solid contact - required for charging any electrical item.

we took a precise measuring device to better understand the size of this problem. as you can see from the image here:

1. 'black-top' (1) weighs in at 20.65mm in diameter
2. 'nipple' (2) is .02mm wider at 20.67mm in diameter
3. 'two fingers' (3) is a whopping 20.75mm in diameter - 0.1mm wider than (1).

IMPORTANT NOTE: no matter what power outlet your vehicle has, EVERY spotlight™ includes the fit-clip to make sure you get a tight fit and a good charge.

3. options for fit adjustment

3.1 how to use the fit-clip adaptor:

1. attaching the fit-clip is easy. hold the spotlight by the top end so you are facing the shiny round end of the spotlight™.
2. slide the fit-clip around the black part of the spotlight™
   

5. summary - the fit-clip rocks!

as you can see from the results included here:

1. 'black-top' (1) passed the test without the use of the fit-clip
2. 'nipple' (2) passed the test when the fit-clip is used
3. 'two fingers' (3) passes the test if the fit-clip is used

thank you for finding out about the fit-clip - we hope you found this information useful.

discuss this page on our blog: 12Vspotlight.com/blog

4. alternative - testing the super socket

As you can see, the super-socket passes all three tests with flying colors. this is due to the longer input section, nipple on the top and metal bumps on two sides.

• click here to buy the super socket on 12Vspotlight.com

don't have a spotlight™ yet? get kit!

• drivers - get started with the commuter kit
• home users - the home helper kit is the perfect starter kit!
• adventurers - the adventure kit is waiting to join you on your next adventure!
• couples - ignite your love with the cute igniter kit - 2 spotlights™, a home helper AND a super socket!
• active families - on your marks... get the the 'burb kit... go!

<< VIDEO
" what if my spotlight™ still won't charge?"

the video on the left [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64f-Q2XGNtg ] demonstrates how sometimes using a very small piece of electrical tape can make the spotlight™ fit in even the largest 12-volt power outlets.