Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Electrical and electronic topics for small boats
goldstem
Posts: 64
Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2015 12:57 pm

Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby goldstem » Fri Jun 02, 2017 11:40 am

I am setting up an emergency pump for my sailing club. The pump is a 20-Ampere [load]. It currently has spring clamps to connect to its battery. I would like to set up something easier for our members to use. My first idea was to use a four-pole trailer plug, with two pins each for positive and negative, but i don't think that will carry the load.
[Give your] ideas.

goldstem
Posts: 64
Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2015 12:57 pm

Re: Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby goldstem » Fri Jun 02, 2017 12:24 pm

I found an answer: TRAC High-Current Connector Kit

jimh
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Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby jimh » Fri Jun 02, 2017 2:45 pm

Many instance in which 12-Volt DC power is to be carried through a connector use the ANDERSON SB connectors with weather boots. See

http://www.andersonpower.com/us/en/products/sb-sb-boots/index.aspx

Here is a link to the data sheets for the connector and the weather boots:

http://www.andersonpower.com/_global-assets/downloads/pdf/ds-sb50.pdf
http://www.andersonpower.com/_global-assets/downloads/pdf/ds-sbboot.pdf

The beauty of the Anderson power connectors is the genderless connector. You use the same connector for both sides of the connection; the connector mates with itself. Anderson power connectors are very widely used for DC power distribution--they are almost a universal connector for that purpose.

Also, I strongly discourage using trailer-type connectors that are premolded. To use them you have to splice the pre-molded wiring into your circuit. Having to use a butt-splice to install a connector in a circuit is just a TERRIBLE technique. Avoid any sort of connector that is pre-molded and must be spliced into the circuit. This sort of wiring is never done with professional installations. If you must use some sort of pre-molded connector, then order the connector with the appropriate wire gauge and wire length molded onto it, so that enough wire is available to use to connect to the devices, in this case, your battery and your load, without splices.

What is a "TRAC High-Current Connector Kit"?

goldstem
Posts: 64
Joined: Thu Oct 29, 2015 12:57 pm

Re: Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby goldstem » Mon Jun 05, 2017 2:17 pm

the TRAC connect is for trolling motors, and seems appropriate to my needs.

porthole
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Location: LSD Lower Slower Delaware

Re: Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby porthole » Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:50 am

goldstem wrote:I am setting up an emergency pump for my sailing club. The pump is a 20-Ampere [load]. It currently has spring clamps to connect to its battery. I would like to set up something easier for our members to use. My first idea was to use a four-pole trailer plug, with two pins each for positive and negative, but i don't think that will carry the load.
[Give your] ideas.



The local TowBoatUS that I spent over 20 years with used industrial battery connectors for just about everything.

We used the connectors on all the boats, all the trucks, all the boat trailers that had winches and all the 12 volt DC pumps. We also used the same connectors on our extended length jumper cords.

For our use we used the 175 amp version. Versatility was the goal.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#battery-connectors/=17yafvk
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF

jimh
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Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby jimh » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:54 pm

PORT--if I understand correctly you comments, I believe you are endorsing the same connection I mentioned earlier.

porthole
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Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:57 pm
Location: LSD Lower Slower Delaware

Re: Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby porthole » Tue Jun 20, 2017 2:22 pm

jimh wrote:PORT--if I understand correctly you comments, I believe you are endorsing the same connection I mentioned earlier.

Yes, I was just jumping in with the versatility they offer. I also use them on my 5th wheel camper and an inverter I keep handy for remote stuff. The genderless part is a big plus.
Thanks,
Duane
2016 World Cat 230DC
1999 Outrage 21, Yamaha SW Series II 200
1997 Outrage 18, Yamaha 125
1983 15 SS, Honda 50
1980 42 Post
1983 34 Luhrs 340 SF

jimh
Posts: 11672
Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
Contact:

Re: Connector for 20-Ampere DC Power

Postby jimh » Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:38 am

I use Anderson PowerPole connectors for 12-Volt power distribution. They are not particularly suited for exposure to water or splashing, but in protected environments they are very good. The PowerPole connector is also a very common standard connector for 12-Volt power distribution. For example, American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) participants have made it their standard connector for 12-Volt power distribution. For more about Anderson PowerPole connectors, see

http://www.andersonpower.com/us/en/prod ... index.aspx

For tips on installation and use of PowerPole connectors, see

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public%2 ... erpole.pdf