Prawn light battery safety

[Mossman]

Hello - geting together a prawning set up for an upcoming trip. I'm looking to buy a 12v halogen submersible light. I'm after some advive if I can wire the clips into a standard car 12v plug (ie cigarette lighter connection) and use one of those portable jump start battery packs that have a 12V socket? It fits well in a small daypack, but I'm a bit worried about the 800 amp potential of the unit to kill me out on the water if I fall over.

Thoughts?

[cameldownunder]

Hello - geting together a prawning set up for an upcoming trip. I'm looking to buy a 12v halogen submersible light. I'm after some advive if I can wire the clips into a standard car 12v plug (ie cigarette lighter connection) and use one of those portable jump start battery packs that have a 12V socket? It fits well in a small daypack, but I'm a bit worried about the 800 amp potential of the unit to kill me out on the water if I fall over.

Thoughts?

How did you calculate the 800Amps ?

[Mossman]

How did you calculate the 800Amps ?

It's just the max amperage spec provided with the details of the unit (actually when I looked last night it was only 600). The unit is designed more to jump start car batteries, but it also has an in-built light and 12v socket outlet. I'm trying to work out if it is essentially a 12V battery wrapped up in a plastic case with jumper leads attached, or if it's something more sinister that shouldn't be suspeneded above the water in a back pack.

[dabble]

If you fall into a large body of water with a car battery there is no way it would kill you. If it was a hand basin it might give you a fair shock but a harbour or estuary where your prawning has way to much water for anything to happen.

You will be fine, although pretty upset if you fall over....maybe save the bourbons till after prawning and less chance of falling over

[piratesgold]

be aware that if you fall over and the battery pack is too heavy, and you cant get the back pack off easy, you will go to the bottom on your back, not easy to turn over to stand, or to breath. personally i either use a side slung shoulder bag, or float the battery on a boogie board, in a placky bag gaffer taped onto it if you get a cheap boogie you can cut a bucket into it for the prawns

Edited February 24, 2012 by piratesgold

[Fisherman36]

I'm sure those battery packs that you're using (the car jump start packs) give a bigger kick than a standard car battery because they have to jump start a flat battery. I carry one on the boat for emergencies and I'm pretty sure it won't kick if you're just using the 12v output, but I guess it depends on the model and what position the switch is in.

[Jew Stalker]

Personally I'd just bite the bullet and spend 50 bucks on a small sealed 12 volt battery and have no potential issues if you were dunked. In fact I did and my battery (which fits in the front pocket of my backpack) lasts me a solid 4 or 5 hours on the water which is pretty much all you want anyway to be honest. Then just charge it when you get home. It is safe, reliable and most importantly light weight so you don't get tired carrying it.