Anderson Power Poles

WICEN (SA) recommends Anderson connectors as its standard 12V DC power connector for all operations and installations. The connector ratings suggested are the 30A and 75A Anderson Powerpole connectors. They are easy to terminate (either by crimping or soldering), and inexpensive.

All members are strongly encouraged to utilise these connectors for all equipment taken into the field. The more people that use them, the easier things will be in the field when members need to work with foreign equipment and connect things up rapidly.

Members who wish to adopt this standard but don't want the expense of re-wiring all of their gear, may choose to simply make up enough adaptors, to adapt their own system to the recommended standard.

Recommended Usage

• The 30A connectors are recommended for most uses, including power connectors on radios, and accessories such as TNCs, computers, small inverters and the like, as well as on power sources such as batteries and power supplies. These are expected to be the most commonly used in WICEN applications.
• The 75A connector is expected to be used where either high current devices are used (such as high-power inverters), or other applications where heavy gauge cable needs to be terminated. Such an application could be a long cable run from a 12V battery to a breakout box located in a tent, for example.
• Where 75A connectors are used on power sources, it is recommended that one or more 30A connectors also be provided to enable appliances to be connected directly to the power source without needing to find an intervening adaptor cable or breakout box.

Points to watch

• These connectors are recommended for 12V (nominal) use only. Members requiring high-current connectors for other voltages (such as 24V or 48V systems) are urged to source physically incompatible connectors to avoid any chance of connecting different voltage devices together.
•   *** The same polarity be used by all members, as illustrated by the second figure below on this page ***
• Make sure that any power supplies are adequately protected. The Anderson system allows two or more power sources to be connected in parallel (intentionally or otherwise), so make sure your devices can handle this without damage. Batteries must be fused (or have other protection) as close as possible to the positive terminal
• Don't dove-tail multiple connectors together in such a way that it is possible to inadvertently connect a load to two halves of different connector pairs with reverse polarity
• Make sure you terminate wires in the connectors properly. If crimping, be sure all strands are held tightly along the full length of the pin's barrel, and use reducing bushings if necessary on smaller gauge wires. If soldering, keep soldering time to a minimum and make sure no solder flows onto the contact area.
• Wherever possible use red insulated wires for positive and black insulated wires for negative. If the conductor sheathing is not red and black, consideration should be given to using short lengths of red and black heat shrink sleeving for identification purposes.

30A and 75A Powerpole

Cutaway view of a Powerpole connector.
Note that the contact must fit through the gap between the housing and the spring and that the contact is snapped over the end of the spring.

Correct!
The contacts are in proper alignment and ready to push in.
The contacts go in the housings in only one way. Insert the contacts with their sharp edge down against the flat spring that is in the housing.
Listen for a click on each one to make sure they are fully inserted.
 *** Note the polarity ***

Wrong!
The contacts are at an angle and will be difficult or impossible to insert.

This is how they connect together.

Where to Buy them

Jaycar for the 30A and 75A

WICEN SA can supply these connectors at a reasonable price. Contact Nic McLean 0417 822728 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
There are of course other suppliers, try a Google search.