What connector do you use for main power line?

[nasukaren]

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.

[TylerDurden]

RV supplies include trailer connectors: cheap & hefty.

Coleman has these in 12ga


Most stores with an automotive section have these, you can parallel connections for more current:

[Link]

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.

[Rassy]

I use the two wire trailer connectors that TD showed above, but in 10 gauge, from my local auto parts store. They are basically the same as the connectors that came on my WE hub motors and controllers.

[nasukaren]

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.


<img src="http://www.helmarparts.com/v/vspfiles/photos/6331G7-1.jpg">

[nasukaren]

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!



p.s. Link, I think you rock!

[Ypedal]

Anderson 45 amp connectors almost exclusively ( the 15/30's on the 20 amp bikes and charging wires )

I like the andersons as the metal contacts are inside the housings unlike the Deans that leave one side exposed.

I buy andersons by the 100's.

[D-Man]

Connector thread:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1090&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[fechter]

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 (69.68 KiB) Viewed 2397 times

[Link]

Powerpoles it is, then. Though I do have a pair of SB-350s I'm waiting to use...

p.s. Link, I think you rock!

Who doesn't? XD

[TylerDurden]

Leona thinks you are "little people". Still.

[mvadventure]

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

[docnjoj]

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

[TMaster]

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.

[dequinox]

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..."

[biohazardman]

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.

[SpeedEBikes]

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.

[Tiberius]

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

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

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

Nick

[LeftieBiker]

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.

[Kingfish]

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.


My present setup includes these...

Documented here.

W/O Sags, KF

[skeetab5780]

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.

[Ypedal]

I've been using Deans by soldering both legs to one lead for high power stuff..

I don't like how close to each other the 2 legs are, having + and - that close separated only by shrink wrap makes me feel uncomfortable.

[spinningmagnets]

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.

[skeetab5780]

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

[rojitor]

Long live andersons!