geocacher (djcache) replied:

The reason everyone uses grey is that they are imported in huge quantity for the forklift and similar industrial market. The specs are the same so we use them cos they are available and cheap. (See previous reply in archives from me on suppliers.) The reason for the colour coding is irrelevant in our application.

The color coding is just an attempt to indicate to the educated (about the color code) what voltage a connector is so you don't try and hook up the wrong ones. Imagine an industrial situation where you have 12v, 24v & 48v available side by side for different purposes. A color code is a safer (more idiot proof) way of diferentiating for the "idiot" than providing 3 identical plugs with labels indicating 12, 24 & 48.

He just has to plug the red one into the red one - and from experience there are still people who will balls it up. Then there's the incompatible housings to make it even harder just in case he's still trying!

You could buy the Yellow ones if you wish and you can find them, but they'll in all likely hood be dearer and the Amperage specs are the same anyway. Also you are unlikely to find a 36v outlet on the back of your fourbie appear overnight so you are unlikely to try and plug your 12v van into it.

As for the others. Good connectors which I've used aeromodelling. You can separate the two colors or bank up more if you want but I'd just stick with the grey ones. Unless you are trying to wire up a HF Radio or something that uses a fair bit of current but on say 6mm cable then they'd be perfect.

Dave

Dion replied:

I've used the grey anderson plugs for 110VDC to jump start a diesel loco and no problems with it at all.

Cheers,

Dion.

Scubaroo replied:

The colour doesn't affect the actual capacity - I think the 50amp plugs are all rated to 600V.

I thought the 15/30A powerpole connectors might be in more common usage here for 12V appliances though - makes sense to have a low-profile standard secure connector for low load 12V appliances, instead of a mixture of chunky cigarette plugs, hella, anderson, arrid, etc. Saw some excellent powerboard type devices from the ham radio industry that look pretty swish - radio and modelling groups in the US are trying to standardise on a 12V connector, and I've seen it being adapted to solar home appliances. Given most car accessories are 12V...

Member - Phil G (SA) replied:

I've used the "Anderson powerpoles" for many years when involved in remote control car racing - they are a good plug.

Better plug we found was a Deans Ultra plug. These are an in-line plug that give a nice secure connection - gold plated flat contact surface and they are sprung for tightness. I use them for all my fridge and accessory connections.

Get them at most hobby shops that deal with R/C car stuff. I get mine at Model Flight in Adelaide.

Cheers
Phil

Wok replied:

I have used the powerpoles to make my own distribution box, 30A to 180A connectors.I contacted Anderson[US] about under-bonnet use & they didn't recommend it. They have a tendancy to crack at the corners after a few years under the bonnet[probably through vibration & difficulty in providing adequate strain releif], the housing is easily replaced[available seperately]. The 30A units are fiddly[small]. I solder the connections, without the proper crimping tool the contacts can deform making it difficult to lock in.

If you are in Brisbane contact Torema Transformers [Narangba]