Forum Discussion

hedge's avatar
hedge
Explorer
Jul 17, 2016

Should I replace the OEM SAE connector

I was reading another thread about the OEM 2-pin connector and it sounds like they are not a good idea. I used this connector when I mounted my 200w of panels, I just built a short SAE to MC4 cable and it made the install quite easy.

I had plans to replace it with a conbiner box and thicker wiring when I added more panels but I'm finding the 200w may be enough for me, just got back from a 9 day trip (rained every day) and we never had to use the generator at all.

So should I be concerned, as you can see from the pic mine is installed in the fridge vent but it is convered by the vent cover. I'm more worried about the cover wearing through the wire I think.

3 Replies

  • landyacht318's avatar
    landyacht318
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2016
    Not sure how many connection/unconnection cycles an SAE connector is rated for. I once used them widely but they would loosen up, then start heating up, then loosing connectivity. The 10 AWG ones would heat up to finger burning hot at 25 amps when new, and stinky melted plastic hot after several dozen cycles.

    I now use Anderson Powerpoles in pretty much exclusively the 45 amp rating/size, but these are less water resistant than SAE connectors. In such areas requireing prevention of moisture intrusion, I use 'Amazing goop' on the backside of the powerpole connectors where the wire insulation meets plastic housings to seal them from the elements and fill the business end with Dielectric grease.

    If this SAE connector is connected and disconnected frequently and is asked to pass more than 12 amps, a better connector is in your future. So i recommend having one on had when it becomes flakey, or attending to it sooner, when it is convenient to do so, and not an 'emergency'

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