What connector do you use for main power line?

What type of connectors do you use for your main power line?

  • Anderson SB-50

    Votes: 10 10.2%
  • Anderson SB-175

    Votes: 3 3.1%
  • Anderson SB-350

    Votes: 1 1.0%
  • Dean's Ultra Connectors

    Votes: 9 9.2%
  • PowerPole 45A

    Votes: 48 49.0%
  • PowerPole 180A

    Votes: 1 1.0%
  • Controller proprietary

    Votes: 1 1.0%
  • 120 VAC connector

    Votes: 2 2.0%
  • DIN

    Votes: 2 2.0%
  • Hard soldered

    Votes: 3 3.1%
  • Som'n scrounged from the garbage bin

    Votes: 1 1.0%
  • Som'n scrounged from an auto parts store

    Votes: 4 4.1%
  • Twist-n-duct-tape

    Votes: 2 2.0%
  • etc.

    Votes: 11 11.2%

  • Total voters
    98

nasukaren

1 W
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
50
Location
East Coast, USA
What are people using to connect their batteries to their motor controller? I'm leaning towards either getting the Anderson PowerPole or the SB connectors, but the Dean's are less expensive and I don't know if I'll be pulling more than 50A. Anyway, let's see what the most popular is!

Add a comment if I missed a type of connector.
 
RV supplies include trailer connectors: cheap & hefty.

Coleman has these in 12ga
trailer-connector-0000018760-L.jpg


Most stores with an automotive section have these, you can parallel connections for more current:
02CD7CE5-99E3-FA5F-05D5-80F463887C56.jpg
 
What do I vote for? I've got an Anderson for the connection to the controller, but the motor connects to that wire with a hermaphroditic SAE connector. :?
 
I decided to go with the Anderson SB-50s for my main powerline. I checked out the bullet-type connectors that TD recommended at Pepboys, but they ones they had didn't seem to be particularly well built, the wire looked like it was 14 gauge.

It looks like I'll be using Deans for many of the connections inside the bike as well as inside the battery packs to serial/parallel them, but the Anderson for the main connection to the battery. I thought of going all Deans but I wanted the main battery disconnect to be something very solid, very visible and something I could yank in a hurry if I needed to. I also wanted the main powerline to be a unique connector since I'm an idiot. The bright yellow SB-50 seemed to be the item. And they're only $3/ea if you shop around.

6331G7-1.jpg

<img src="http://www.helmarparts.com/v/vspfiles/photos/6331G7-1.jpg">
 
Link said:
What do I vote for? I've got an Anderson for the connection to the controller, but the motor connects to that wire with a hermaphroditic SAE connector. :?

I mean the main powerline, the one between the battery and the controller so I'd vote Anderson!
:D


p.s. Link, I think you rock! :)
 
Connector thread:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1090&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
 
I like using "European style" terminal blocks for stuff that doesn't need to come apart very often. These are simple, cheap, and hold up well at high current. They come in different sizes. Allelectronics has big monster sized ones that will take 8ga. wire.
Terminal Block.jpg
 
Powerpoles it is, then. Though I do have a pair of SB-350s I'm waiting to use...8)

nasukaren said:
p.s. Link, I think you rock! :)

Who doesn't? XD
 
Since everything is always in transition and since I hate screwing with Andersons and because they work and will take more than two wires, I use regular electrical wire nuts in the correct size and a little electrical tape to make them waterproof. Pretty it ain't but it works, make for a quick disconnect and allows me to expirement.
Mike
 
As usual, I do stuff differently! I use Power Poles for my main connections (battery to harnass) but use Posi-lock screw connectors for all other connections! The company states that they are rated the same as the wire size used for resistance, and I have never had one fail. They arent cheep but U can get them in boxes of 25 for 50 bucks. They allow connections to be instantly rewired without cutting or soldering anything. Nah, I cant afford their stock!
otherDoc
 
I use Deans Ultra. The connection size area is equal to 10AWG wire. These connectors are way under rated. The housings are small and easy to cover. I've never tried the andersons, but they seem too bulky for me.
 
I didn't know what these are called besides 2 pole bullet connectors so I just put "DIN" since I figured it meant "don't i know..." :lol:

ces321010.jpg
 
I use the Anderson 45A connectors on the batts to the controller and 3.5MM bullets from the controller to the motor shrink wrapped as they are out in the weather. Use the 1.8mm bullets on the halls wrapped also. Running the stock 35A controller no wiring problems in 700+ miles and plenty of it in the rain. I could not choose the bullet connectors as the choice was not there. That's 10K miles now Nov of 2014
 
I switched from 45 amp Andersons to 5.5 mm bullet connectors from HobbyCity. I made boots for the male 5.5s out of old innertube to avoid accidental shorts when disconnected. However, now that the new lipo packs come with 4 mm bullet connectors in plastic housings and those connectors are something like $0.25 per pair I'll likely wire up new stuff with them in the future.
 
fechter said:
I like using "European style" terminal blocks for stuff that doesn't need to come apart very often. These are simple, cheap, and hold up well at high current. They come in different sizes. Allelectronics has big monster sized ones that will take 8ga. wire.

Over here they're called "choccy blocks" - short for chocolate blocks.

But then, we don't have English muffins or French fries. :D

Nick
 
I want to use deans connectors on my new EZIP Ping pack, but it seems that there are so many cheap knockoffs it's hard to figure out where to get good ones. Anyone have a good source? I'd like to get them quickly, too.
 
Since this poll started, I have switched from the APP 45A to barrel connectors:

The Main Harness has been upgraded to 6-AWG Marine-grade cable and has one primary termination using XT150 6mm to a Utility Harness which facilitates connection to the Trailer and to Panniers - both are addons for cross-country road trips and not normally attached.

The Main Harness has several secondary EC5 connectors that branch off to 3 destination sets: Triangle (Commuter) Battery assembly (L/R), optional Saddle Bag Battery assembly (L/R) for extended range, and to the Controllers (Front/Rear).

The APPs have been a RPITA for me, and since moving to barrels I have yet to experience any connection problem.

HKBarrelConnectors.jpg

My present setup includes these...

Documented here.

W/O Sags, KF
 
At the moment i use Anderson 45a rated connectors. I was planning on switching to Deans, but after attempting to solder then to large wire i decided against it.

I ordered some XT-60's now and im hoping they will work well. but ive yet to try them.
 
No love for the XT60 and the larger XT90? Very cheap, easy to solder to...

The XT90 shank accepts Turnigy 10-Ga wire easily, and the Turnigy 6mm heat-shrink insulation fits over the 10-Ga (with thick silicone insulation) and can fully insert into the connectors butt-end recess.

For the XT60 size, the Turnigy 12-Ga wire easily fits, and will accept 4mm and 3/16-inch (4.5mm) heat-shrink.

Nylon_XT90_Connectors_Male_Female.jpg
 
hmm never thought to use the dean as 1 connection... good idea!

the terminals are 2 close together for my liking.

ya those yellow xt60's are what im gonna try next
 
Back
Top