So I am needing to create some custom wires and connections and it appears that Anderson Powerpoles are the way I want to go. Seems like the professional grade tools are really expensive. I will be making a handful of connections initially and then less than a couple a year at the most.As I am researching I am noticing two types that are of interest. 1) PP30, PP45 and 2) SB50 connections. This will be a custom application so any sort of standardization is not important. What I am looking for is experience and recommendations for both the connections and the Tools for making my cables. I am looking for a balance between quality and price know this is not for a professional application but do not want to have continuous rework going forward.

I think the pricey tools are more for faster commercial work. I soldered all of mine over ten years ago. I did all battery connections,very low cost, took more time, and has never needed repair. Art.

You did not specify the maximum current required. The PP30 is 30 Amps, the PP45 is for up to 45 Amps, and the SB50 good for 50Amps with a more robust connector and housing. Each version is sized for the appropriate gage wire for the amperage. For all my electronic work I use mostly PP30. The same $45. Crimp tool will do PP15, PP30, and PP45 powerpoles. Note: the PP15, 30, and 45 are all capable of interconnecting. The crimp tool is the only way to go in my opinion. You can solder the connector pins to the wire if you are very good and do not get excessive solder on the connection, which hinders or prevents pushing the pins up into the plastic housing.

i bought the tool for the ease, convenience and for future use. i’ve soldered hundreds and hundreds of connections over the years...still do when need be.

Thanks all for your comments.It is intended for a 400 watt portable Solar system So I believe 30 amp should be sufficient.My soldering skills are not very good so want to stick with crimping. I am looking for specific Crimpers. I have seen some from under $20 to over several hundred dollars. Looking for experienced opinions for a low cost but sufficient quality for a weekend warrior like myself.

I just use a standard wire crimper for up to #8 wire. Done plenty of Powerpoles without issue.

Powerpole Info Needed | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

BruceMc
Explorer III
Apr 15, 2019
DC Power is my go-to place for Anderson PPs and accessories. Give a shout out to Wes, the owner if you decide to order from him. Wes is located in the Beaverton Oregon area for us Great NorthWet folks.

--Bruce.
2manytoyz
Explorer
Apr 15, 2019
Tom_M wrote:
For us folks without a 3D printer here's a solution available on eBay: Keystone Powerpole adapter

It appears that this is a 3D printed item. The wall plate is not included.

You can also buy a few different ones from Powerwerx, same place I get the connectors and crimper: https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors These are not cheap, but they are of professional quality.
Tom_M1
Explorer
Apr 15, 2019
2manytoyz wrote:
I'm installing an outlet cover plate in the motorhome that has a couple of Anderson Powerpole connectors mounted to it. This will be mounted into a low voltage style electrical single gang box (not enclosed).

This will allow me to plug in Ham radio gear (etc.) that I'm already using Anderson connectors.

I designed the plate in Fusion 360, and printed it on a Creality CR10S printer.
For us folks without a 3D printer here's a solution available on eBay: Keystone Powerpole adapter

It appears that this is a 3D printed item. The wall plate is not included.
Tom_M1
Explorer
Apr 15, 2019
You can find everything you need at Powerwerx.com. Their prices are reasonable. I used SB-50 connectors for my portable solar install. The SB series connectors come in several colors but make sure you stick with one color because they are keyed differently. For instance a grey connector will not plug into a red one.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 13, 2019
Not of any help but I was digging around last night looking for something (no joy but turns out I did not need it) and Murphy's law of how to find stuff kicked in.. Since I was NOT looking for the power pole crimper.. I found it. A nice west mountain ratching job.. along with my older stock of PP's Too bad I didn't need it but on reflection I could have used it.

The Problem I was trying to fix was an intermittent between a 12 volt accessory outlet and the 5 Volt USB device that plugs in. turns out the problem was in the socket itself so I cut the thing off. Fired up my new soldering iron (It gets nice and hot if I open the gas valve all the way) and soldered the leads direct to the adapter Taped it up good and now its ... Working. Very well.

Benz-o-Matic soldering iron. Run on Ciggy Lighter Butane. Very nice Very hot.
theczar
Explorer
Apr 13, 2019
A lot of great info. Thanks to all.
2manytoyz
Explorer
Apr 11, 2019
I'm installing an outlet cover plate in the motorhome that has a couple of Anderson Powerpole connectors mounted to it. This will be mounted into a low voltage style electrical single gang box (not enclosed).

This will allow me to plug in Ham radio gear (etc.) that I'm already using Anderson connectors.

I designed the plate in Fusion 360, and printed it on a Creality CR10S printer.

The file is here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3554718
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 10, 2019
One note on power poles.. They do tanish and if you are not hauling enough current to burn it off you need to unplug-replug from time to time.
2manytoyz
Explorer
Apr 10, 2019
I've been using Anderson PowerPole connectors since the 90s. I use them at home, and at work. I've purchased and installed thousands of them. Absolutely excellent product!

Be warned there are cheap knock-offs that don't fit/work as well. Found those on eBay and Amazon (surprised me). Sent those back.

Consequently, I buy all my stuff through Powerwerx (no affiliation).
https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors

I have a couple of their crimpers, which work much better/faster than soldering the contacts to the wires.

The nice part is you can buy a kit of the 30A size (most common), and order additional 15A and 45A contacts. All three sizes fit in the same housing, but these give you the ability to use different sized wires for different applications. I also have a mix of colors for differentiating different circuits.
landyacht318
Explorer
Apr 10, 2019
The 30 amp powerlines are simple to crimp 12 to 14awg wire. For 10 awg you need the 45 amp. Or destrand it to 12awg thickness.

The 45 amp powerlines are difficult to crimp properly without their special tool.

I went years crimping 8awg Into the 45s before acquiring the special anderson crimptool.

I bought some dies for flag terminals and insulated terminals. Which fit into the anderson crimpers making them multipurpose. I also remove the little plastic anderson spoon contact holder and crimp non insulated terminals with the anderson dies.

The 30 amp contacts are very easy to assemble without the special crimper if one has a dimple crimper But the special C likely does a much better physical and electrical connection.

If you are near NCSD coastal. I can make up your cables if you bring the 45 amp powerpoles.