Anderson Powerpole 30A plugs

I use the 30A anderson plugs exclusively in my Hilux (and at home in my ham radio "shack") for all my radio connection, external power needs, inverters, chargers, etc.
You can get them locally (Jaycar, RS Components), or cheaper if you buy from the US. They have become a standard in the US amongst ham radio operators and you can buy a whole heap of accessories to help you out with wiring DC through your vehicle.
http://www.powerwerx.com/
is a good place to start.
I've done some tests with the 30A plugs and have drawn in excess of 50A without them becoming warm, but this was with brand new terminals and I would expect the 30A current rating is more realistic.

Michael.

Hi,
I use them too, they work fine.
They don't come apart by themselves, they're compact and are rated for far more current than I ever pull through them.

Geoff

Hi GeeTee, the 30 amp Anderson PowerPoles are an excellent alternative to standard cigarette lighter type plugs and sockets.

As posted above, they will easily handle far more current than conventional fridge plugs can.

They won’t rattle loose.

They are extremely small in comparison to normal power plugs.

You can fit up to 6mm automotive cable ( 4.5mm2 ) in to the terminals and the terminals can be either soldered or crimped.

The only possible down side to these plug, is the fact they are not readily available in a surface mount configuration, they are only intended to be fitted to the end of cable.

The big plus is that they are a fraction of the cost of other types plugs and sockets.

Do a google to find some good info and prices.

Cheers

GT the "30 Amp Anderson Powerpole" plug will only accept a MAXIMUM of 2.6 mm thick (wire) cable.

The big advantage of Powerpoles is that they are genderless - you put the SAME connector on batteries, lights, power supplies.

I can plug the light onto a battery or a power supply AND I can plug the power supply onto a battery to charge it.

An extension lead has the same connector at both ends !

I can reverse an Ammeter with no connector hassles.

You will never reverse polarities due to the brilliant design.

Another good thing about Powerpoles is that 15, 30 and 45 amp Powerpoles are all interconnectable - they use the same size plastic shell.

If you get the 45 amp pins they will take up to 8G wire - 4mm copper OD.
www.hamsource.com/app.html