Power pole connectors

[edpdx]

I am re-doing my cables for the battery/starter. The present battery-to-starter cable has an Anderson connector in-line to facilitate removal of the starter. I have since found that there are also smaller Power-Pole cable connectors so I was going to install one at the lower end of the Purple starter cable and a newer single connector on the Battery cable above the chassis cable clamp.

I thought I would replace the Purple cable from the fuse block- front of firewall, all the way to the starter solenoid. I believe the cable is 10 gauge; but I was wondering if there was any reason to go larger- is this purple cable delivering 12 volts or 24 to the starter solenoid?

 

[hunderliggur]

The bigger the better, within reason. 24V would make it smaller (less current). Anderson Powerpoles are great, we use them in Amateur Radio systems a lot, no reverse polarity by accident.

 

[ODdave]

Why would you want more points for failiure in the system? How often are you changing starters?

 

[deuceaid]

The bigger the better, within reason. 24V would make it smaller (less current). Anderson Powerpoles are great, we use them in Amateur Radio systems a lot, no reverse polarity by accident.

Major complailnt.......

if the power poles are wire right the first time , then no problems,,,, but I do trust green horns, and you should double check both systems,,,, ( I my self turn the jacket to make 12 volt and 24 volt NON interchanchable.

 

[Rustygears]

No reversed polarity, but 12v to 24v cross connect possibility. Also Powerpoles don't lock, a major shortcoming. In a rattly diesel on a bumpy road they come loose unless you zip tie them. I have lots for emcomm, but the lack of a decent locking scheme sucks. If you build up a pair of connectors, do not put the roll pin into the connector pair to hold the pair together. It will fall out and possibly short something out. Most folks use superglue instead of the pin.

 

[hunderliggur]

Thanks for the heads up on the 12/24 risk.

 

[blybrook]

I also use these connectors for all of my amateur rigs now and am in the process of putting a set on my fuel pump for the in-bed tank. I have considered putting in larger versions for jump starting and the winch connections front and rear of my DD (I run dual post batteries to permit easier connections for this reason).

For the smaller connectors, you can glue them together once assembled on the individual wires (better than the roll pin). Once connected, use a zip tie or a Blok-Loc (here) to keep them together.

You do have to watch the voltage interchange should you use them for the starter, but I like the idea of having it there for future repairs if it is properly assembled and sealed. Be sure to solder all the individual connections before putting them into the plastic housing. Also wrap it well with electrical tape after the connection to keep water out.