Anderson plug double adaptor?

Submitted: Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 09:58
ThreadID: 55075 Views:12771 Replies:8 FollowUps:46
This Thread has been Archived
I need to wite 2 solar panels in parallel. Is there such a thing as an Anderson Plug Double Adaptor where I could bring the +'ves from both panels together, and negatives together, so I can then run a single run back to the battery?

I want the double adpator as at times I wish to be able to remove one panel from the mount, and place out in the sun when parked in a shady spot - so need to be able to easily disconnect etc.

There is a MC connector version available (see MC Double Adaptor at Renewable Energy Store) - so I'm after something to do the same job but in an Anderson plug configuration. Any ideas? Any other options?

Cheers, Tim.
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 10:27

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 10:27
Hi Tim

I am working on this. There is no adaptor available yet. We have produced a prototype and tooling is still at least 6 months away.

You can in the mean time make a 'Y' cable to do the same job.

Regards

Derek.
AnswerID: 290208

Reply By: Mainey (wa) - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 11:42

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 11:42
Tim
With mine I use 240v connectors.
Make up a 10cm long *extension* lead with two "MALE" ends which will each accept the Solar panel cable (which has 'female' ends) & one "female" end, which will connect direct to the long Solar panel extension lead (which has 'male' end) and will connect direct to the BATTERY.

Fill the 3rd hole (earth) in plug with araldite so a 'normal' 240v plug won't connect.
(yes, the complete OPOSITE to normal, because it will then not allow the current to short out if unplugged and earthed !! and can ONLY be used for the intended purpose.

Yes, it can also be done with an Anderson plug as the connection device, BUT ... then you may have hassles with other people connecting something to the Anderson plug, because they look just like 'normal' receptors.

Mainey . . .
AnswerID: 290221

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 13:03

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 13:03
There are ELV sockets available. Don't use 240V sockets 'PLEASE'



0
FollowupID: 555553

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:14

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:14
Derek,
why not actually explain to people the reasons why they should not use the same type of connections I've been using for many years, that are connected 24/7 between the two Solar panels and out in all types of weather up on the Solar panel roof rack, without hassles too :-)
(Maybe I'm just lucky)

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555608

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:48

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:48
I can't believe you are asking that question in public.

Because if someone who does not know your unique way of thinking plugs the "(Maybe I'm just lucky)" "*extension* lead with two "MALE" ends " into a 240V socket or FEMALE end of a live 240V extension lead your solar panels and probably your whole setup becomes LIVE.

WITH NO EARTH TO TRIP THE SAFETY SWITCH !!!





0
FollowupID: 555613

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:49

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:49
Besides that it is just STUPID
0
FollowupID: 555614

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 22:38

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 22:38
Derek, You post:-> "WITH NO EARTH TO TRIP THE SAFETY SWITCH"

It's only an EXTENSION LEAD, it's fitted between EXISTING "items" (battery & solar panel cable)

If the original cable does NOT have a "safety switch" can you then PLEASE explain why, when you add an extension lead, it will then require a EXTRA safety switch to be fitted as well ??



Derek, I posted:-> "" FILL the 3rd HOLE (earth) IN PLUG with *araldite* so a NORMAL 240v plug WON'T CONNECT.

Yes, the complete OPOSITE to normal, because it will then *N O T* allow the current to short out if unplugged and earthed !! and can *O N L Y* be used for the intended purpose.""

I repeat:-> it CAN'T be conected to a 240v plug and CAN'T go 240v live !!

If you think it's 'stupid' that's ok by me, it cost me less than a cup of coffee and is more years old than I care to remember too.

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555652

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 08:18

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 08:18
Mainey,
There are lots of things that are cheap and work fine, but I agree with Derek that to use 240V plugs is stupid, and to tell others on an open forum is even worse.
0
FollowupID: 555674

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 09:37

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 09:37
Phil, will you please *explain* in TECHNICAL electrical terms why it's "stupid" when it works, is easy to use, simple to assemble and costs next to nothing.

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555679

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:18

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:18
Because some generators are banned for the same STUPIDITY

Banned Generators
0
FollowupID: 555695

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:19

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:19
Here is a better article.

Unsafe Plugs
0
FollowupID: 555696

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:28

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 11:28
Pursuant to Part IVA, Section 33C of the Electricity Act 1945, it is the opinion of the Director of Energy Safety that the following electrical appliances are likely to become unsafe or dangerous in use:•

Any associated flexible leads with a plug that can be plugged into both the 12 Volt DC and the 240 Volt AC socket-outlet. Persons are therefore prohibited from selling, hiring or using these types of generators and leads.

REQUIRED ACTION: Owners of these types and models of generators (or similarly configured generators) and battery charging leads must cease using them immediately.

Any lead that has a plug that can be inserted into both the 12 Volt DC and the 240 Volt AC socket-outlets must be destroyed immediately.

Albert Koenig DIRECTOR OF ENERGY SAFETY11 July2005
0
FollowupID: 555697

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 12:09

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 12:09
" in TECHNICAL electrical terms why it's "stupid" when it works....."

Mainey,
This is a forum. People take advice. Someone out there will think its a great idea, and have a bunch sitting in the shed. They make up your male/male *extension* lead and store it in the garage. Then their 5 year old child comes along, and plugs it into a powerpoint. The kid dies. The parents will blame YOU.

0
FollowupID: 555703

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 13:45

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 13:45
It is fast becomming very evident some people don't understand the written language we use here in Australia, on this forum it is ENGLISH.

I posted:-> ""Fill the 3rd hole (earth) in plug with ARALDYTE so a 'normal' 240v plug WILL *N O T* connect.
(yes, the complete OPOSITE to normal, because it will then NOT allow the current to short out if unplugged and earthed !! and can *ONLY* be used for the intended purpose""

In English what that means is: you, your children, or their children or your neighbours children can NOT plug this cable into ANY 240v lead, cable, switch or device !!


Because it will NOT fit, it CAN'T fit and can't be used with ANY 240v cable, it's as simple as that.

Mainey . . .

0
FollowupID: 555710

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 13:54

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 13:54
No, unfortunately you are the one who does not understand.

YOU made a 10cm cord with 2 MALE plugs.

Now YOU take that same cord, forget about your araldited FEMALE.

YOU plug that 10cm cord into your household socket. Now my dear friend ask your wife to stand ready with a chunk of wood to knock you loose as I tell YOU to touch that MALE plug on the other end of the 10cm cord !!!!!

What the !!!!!!!!!!
0
FollowupID: 555712

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:22

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:22
Derek,
I posted:-> ""Fill the 3rd hole (earth) in plug with ARALDYTE so a 'normal' 240v plug WILL *N O T* connect.
(yes, the complete OPOSITE to normal, because it will then NOT allow the current to short out if unplugged and earthed !! and can *ONLY* be used for the intended purpose""

Derek,
you can't FORGET about the Araldited Female plug - it's part of the 10cm long double adapter that is used with the Solar system, it stays up on the solar panel it's attached to, and the Solar panel is NOT taken into a home !!

All with a cost of about a cup of coffee, compared to Anderson plugs that will do the same job, but may cost $30 ??

Mainey . . .

0
FollowupID: 555717

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:37

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:37
So how is it moved into the sun and where are the plugs, sockets and extension leads that do this ?

What you have created is a back-feed cable and it is illegal.

0
FollowupID: 555719

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:46

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:46
Derek,
READ MY FIRST POST :->
""Tim.... Make up a 10cm long *extension* lead with two "MALE" ends which will each accept the Solar panel cable (which has 'female' ends) & one "female" end, WHICH WILL CONNECT DIRECT to the LONG Solar panel EXTENSION LEAD (which has 'male' end) and will connect direct to the BATTERY.""

Is self explanatory, they are TWO (2) separate items, one is attached to the Solar panel, the other attaches to the Battery.

The panel is moved into the sun with the EXTENSION LEAD

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555723

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:04

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:04
"(which has 'male' end) and will connect direct to the BATTERY."

or

ANY OTHER 240V SOCKET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0
FollowupID: 555732

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:10

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:10
Mainey,
You haven't read my post. Here it is again:

"This is a forum. People take advice. Someone out there will think its a great idea, and have a bunch sitting in the shed. They make up your male/male *extension* lead and store it in the garage. Then their 5 year old child comes along, and plugs it into a powerpoint. The kid dies. The parents will blame YOU."

That is why its illegal.
That is why you shouldn't post it on a forum.
What you do to save a couple of dollars is your own business, but don't suggest to others that they should do the same.
0
FollowupID: 555735

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:21

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:21
Derek,
Do you agree MALE sockets have the electricity going into them from the cable, or the OTHER END (female plug)

The Male socket is ALWAYS the power OUTLET !!
The Female (plug) is the INLET !!

BUT - in this case it's from a 12v battery - N O T from 240 Volt.

IT CAN'T connect to 240v - ONLY to a 12v battery, because it has different attachments at the 'other' end which are for attaching to a 12v battery.

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555738

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:32

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:32
Sorry Mr M.

240V plugs and sockets are for mains use only and current can travel in both directions and does not follow your rules.

0
FollowupID: 555740

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:40

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:40
Mainey

Can you put the male end into a 240v socket??

Can you put something (anything) in the female end EG: a fork knife end etc??

More to the point could a child put the socket into a 240v socket, and then put something in the other end??

Or

Does the extension lead have 2 female end or similar??

And does the panels have the male end??

I feel these questions will help this discussion.

Cheers Steve.
0
FollowupID: 555742

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:03

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:03
Derek,

YES, your correct, it is true, what do you want me to say, I agree with you too, because ""240V plugs and sockets are for mains use only and current can travel in both directions"" yes, unless you use it for 12v.




Derek,
will you please read this slowly:

At the far end of the (12 Volt) Solar panel extension cable, the *opposite* end to the OUTLET or MALE plug, where the electricity enters the extension cable, there is NOT a 240v FEMALE INLET plug or connection !! (fact)

There is a 12v "alligator clip" (for example only) because everyone knows what they look like, NOT a 240v plug. (fact)

So can you please tell me how the 240v electricity will get INTO the extension lead, when there is ONLY a 240v *OUTLET PLUG* at one end ???

question is: HOW does anyone plug it into a 240v SOCKET ???

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Steve,
Can you put the male end into a 240v socket -> NO
Can you put anything in the female end -> YES, as with any plug it has a 'hole'
More to the point could a child put the socket into a 240v socket, and then put something in the other end -> NO
Does the extension lead have 2 female end or similar -> NO
And does the panels have the male end -> YES

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555744

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:21

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:21
Mainey

Is there any MALE 240V plugs in your 12V system.

If yes then it can be plugged into 240V
0
FollowupID: 555752

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:45

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:45
Derek,
""Is there any MALE 240V plugs in your 12V system""-> YES
""If yes then it can be plugged into 240V""-> Yes, but it's MALE (INLET plug) only a female (240v OUTPUT) socket can plug into it - 240v female sockets are NOT power in - but power out)
It is attached to the Solar panel, on the roof of vehicle.

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555758

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 17:20

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 17:20
I give up !

Go for it !

0
FollowupID: 555772

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 19:00

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 19:00
Will pictures assist, may have saved a thousand words ?


Power cable connection from 80W Solarex (right) panel to 123W Sharp (left) panel
Both panels are sitting on poly/nylon plastic sheet to avoid metal/metal contact and metal fatigue.
Image Could Not Be Found


Same showing simply dis-conected cable to allow quick removal of Solar panel with the ability to add a 12 Mtr "extension" cable, so panel can be put out into the sun.
Image Could Not Be Found


Old & New Solar technology, showing Solar power conection plugs & removable 80W Solarex panel neatly fitted into roof rack frame on poly/nylon sheet to allow panel movement with-out panel damage on rough roads.
Image Could Not Be Found
My 12 Mtr extension cable fits between the male plug and a female plug attached in the vehicle wall which is all hard wired with-in the vehicle walls & roof for (my) convienience.

As can be seen by the condition of the plug it's o l d but has never let me down and no idiot or child has ever tried to conect their tv to it :-))

(this is not the method I install or recomend - but it suits my own use !!!)

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555789

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 19:35

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 19:35
The picture looks like an ELV plug and socket.

I can't see a 3rd pin or earth blocked with aryldite.

Where is the 240V 10cm extension with 2x 240V MALE plugs.
0
FollowupID: 555800

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 21:48

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 21:48
"Mainey (wa) replied:
Tim
With mine I use 240v connectors.
Make up a 10cm long *extension* lead with two "MALE" ends which will each accept the Solar panel cable (which has 'female' ends) & one "female" end, which will connect direct to the long Solar panel extension lead (which has 'male' end) and will connect direct to the BATTERY.

Fill the 3rd hole (earth) in plug with araldite so a 'normal' 240v plug won't connect.
(yes, the complete OPOSITE to normal, because it will then not allow the current to short out if unplugged and earthed !! and can ONLY be used for the intended purpose.

Yes, it can also be done with an Anderson plug as the connection device, BUT ... then you may have hassles with other people connecting something to the Anderson plug, because they look just like 'normal' receptors."
0
FollowupID: 555843

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 21:51

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 21:51
Mainey

Here is where YOU say....

Sorry I made a mistake. I forgot that I used ELV sockets please forget what I said about 240V plugs and sockets and use either ELV plugs and sockets or Anderson plugs.

Humble apologies.

0
FollowupID: 555844

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 22:13

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 22:13
ELV plug and socket. (Extra Low Voltage)

As spinifex already stated:
ELV Clipsal NO 438/32 (Female) - Unverfied part numbers.
ELV Clipsal NO 492/32 (Male)

0
FollowupID: 555850

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 18:52

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 18:52
Sorry :-)
Yes, I actually did forget that I had used low voltage sockets, as I've NEVER had to remove the 80 Watt Solarex panel !!

(Umm, please forget what I said about 240v plugs & sockets and use either ELV plugs & sockets or Anderson plugs, even though it's technically possible)

Humble apologies

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555991

Reply By: spinifex - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 13:38

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 13:38
ELV Clipsal NO 438/32 (Female)
ELV Clipsal NO 492/32 (Male)
AnswerID: 290235

Reply By: Dunaruna - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 17:24

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 17:24
Don't all panels have the parallel connection in the box (under the panel)?
AnswerID: 290257

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:12

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 19:12
No, most panel have terminal screws.

People use plugs for quick connection.

0
FollowupID: 555607

Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 20:33

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 20:33
My panels have the provision for up to 3 more parallel connections, I thought they all did, thanks for setting me straight.
0
FollowupID: 555622

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 22:46

Saturday, Mar 01, 2008 at 22:46
Dunaruna,
Tim posts:-> ""I want the DOUBLE ADAPTOR as at times I wish to be able to REMOVE one panel from the mount, and place out in the sun when parked in a shady spot - so NEED to be able to EASILY DISCONECT etc.""

By using a "double adaptor" and extension lead he is still using power from ALL solar panels at same time!

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555653

Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 09:03

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 09:03
Yes, I understood his post. IF he had a parallel connection, that connection would be a double adapter. But he doesn't, so it isn't.
0
FollowupID: 555676

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 10:06

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 10:06
Dunaruna, the basis of Tim's post is:

#Tim needs to wire two (2) solar panels in parallel
#Tim wants to run one SINGLE cable back to the battery
#Tim wants a (removable) double adaptor because at times he wish’s to be able to REMOVE one panel from the mount and place out in the sun when parked in a shady spot
#Tim wants to be able to EASILY disconnect the system to do this

Therefore to me and my English teacher, it clearly indicates Tim does have two (2) Solar panels and he does want (needs) to wire them in PARALLEL in a way that he can EASILY remove one (1) and put it out in the sun while he parks in the shade, just as I do :-)

Dunaruna can you please explain why you believe Tim does not have a ""have a parallel connection"" whith his two (2) Solar panels.

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555686

Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:56

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 14:56
Why are you continuing this line of the thread? My question was asked and answered.

IF (ask your english teacher what the word 'if' means) Tims' solar panel had a parallel connection built into the box (under the panel) it would be a simple matter of making an extension lead that could EASILY (once again, refer to english teacher) be brought out from under panel #1 so that panel #2 could be connected.

I thought ALL panels had the parallel connection built into the box but Derek has advised me otherwise. As I said, asked and answered.
0
FollowupID: 555729

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:02

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 15:02
Dunaruna, Yes............ :-))

(and the extension lead connects ? )

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 555730

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 22:00

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 22:00
Mainey

Here is where you also apologize. Dunaruna was simply referring to junction boxes like the BP ones that have multiple connection points in the junction box.
0
FollowupID: 555847

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 19:16

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 19:16
Question:-> How do you 'connect' and/or 'disconnect' the two panels from each other, OR add the EXTENSION CABLE, to put one panel out in the sun, when the two panels are connected via a "junction box like the BP ones that have multiple connection points *IN* the junction box" when the "junction box" is most probably mounted under the panel, which is sitting on the roof of the vehicle ??

Answer:-> 'watsaname' plugs lol

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 556003

Reply By: chocolate teapot - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 06:22

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 06:22
Hi Tim & others

Anderson sockets or plugs, they are the same, why not just bolt three together like a sandwich - plugs and two sockets - and wire accordingly. Assigned plug facing one way and two sockets facing 180 deg - or maybe 90 deg to each other - in the sides - may need some plastic spacers between (couple of bits of ice cream container or laminex may do) so the plugs have clearance.

Probably what Derek is tooling up for - sorry Derek - for what its worth Derek I agree with your comments abt using 240 volt fittings - enough dangerous things around without creating others.

Hope this helps

AnswerID: 290331

Reply By: MartyB - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 09:18

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 09:18
I made one, I bought a jiffy box from Dick Smith, mounted 3 plugs in the box. I have a lead coming out with another plug on the end & wired it all up. Works great, takes up to 3 panels and also works in reverse, one anderson outlet on the camper can be converted into 3 outlets.
Marty.
AnswerID: 290343

Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 13:45

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 13:45
Tim

Here is a few pictures of how you can make a double adaptor. The bottom picture shows the adaptor plugged into our FLYER pack.

Note: Max continuous load is still only 50A total for the whole circuit.

Cut slots under the plugs to allow the wires to interconnect. (Middle plug has slots top and bottom). Very carefully measure and crimp the wire. Assemble with bolts. Seal rear of plugs with silicone. I used 6mm2 cable in this one.

This is not how the ABR-SIDEWINDER unit will be manufactured. We have a totally different concept.





Regards

Derek.
AnswerID: 290379

Follow Up By: Tim Owen - Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:16

Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 at 16:16
Thanks Derek, great post, I'll give that a bash.

I'm also going to make one up in a Y configuration.

Thanks for all replies.
0
FollowupID: 555750

Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 09:20

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 09:20
I've just bought a second panel and what I'll be doing is putting an Anderson connector inline, in the long cable on the existing panel, close to the first panel.

The second panel will just have a 1 metre cable that I can plug into this inline connector to parallel the panels.

No double-adapters to lose, only one extra Anderson connector needed.
AnswerID: 290534

Follow Up By: Mainey (wa) - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 19:26

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 19:26
Mike,
do I understand you will have one panel connected to (and charging) the battery when the "second panel" is out in the sun ??

Mainey . . .
0
FollowupID: 556005

Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 19:40

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 19:40
The parallel connections in the box are by definition a double (or triple) adapter assuming there is not 2 or three other panels already connected. If there is a free slot, simply connect an extension lead.

Of course this is all Dependant on whether or not a particular panel has the extra parallel connections in the first place!
0
FollowupID: 556009

Follow Up By: Tim Owen - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 20:28

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 20:28
Hi Mike R,

How would I go about connecting an anderson plug inline?

Sorry, I'm new to all this and am not familiar with all these little techniques.

Photos really help if at all possible.

Tim
0
FollowupID: 556025

Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 20:41

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 20:41
Tim - you cut the lead, strip the insulation off both red wires, twist together, solder into the connector. Repeat for the black wire.

Because the current from solar panels is low, you can use wire thin enough so you can fit two wires into the connector.
0
FollowupID: 556030

Follow Up By: Tim Owen - Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 20:54

Monday, Mar 03, 2008 at 20:54
Ahhh thanks Mike R.

I thought you were doing some fancy splicing thing with a gadget I'd never heard of. Even I can cut, strip, twist, crimp and solder (badly).

Thanks again.
0
FollowupID: 556036

Sponsored Links