Unknow Electrical connection type.

3 tons wrote:

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Why oh why does it need a disconnect?

My thinking too - no connectors in my ceiling lamps...

I answered MexicoWanderer. READ my response and you will understand and change your thinking:B Because of certain style front and rear slideouts they cannot run the roof wiring in the slideout ceiling so they install quick connect plugs and lights/fans that clamp on to the tent support metal rods. Doug

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Why oh why does it need a disconnect?

My thinking too - no connectors in my ceiling lamps...

Tom_M wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Powerpoles are not perfect because it is still possible to reverse polarity, but at least they are color coded.

Once assembled there is no way to reverse polarity.



Powerwerx.com carries a complete line of Anderson products.

Correct !

I was not clear. It IS possible to assemble them "backward" to the rest of world. They will work for your application, but will NOT be compatible with the rest of the world.

With Anderson Power Poles you glue or otherwise fasten the two (or more) plugs together in the proper pattern. YOu can not plug them in reversed (Trust me Ive tried) they only connect one way.

The standard for 12 volt is Looking at the plug end (not the wire end) Tabs UP red on the right.

FOr other voltages you may turn one or both or othersise make changes to insure you can not plug into a wrong outlet.

If you go to places like west mountain radio they have an assortment of cords already wired with power poles and power strips and "Splitters" and .. You name it they got it.

Like I said I use a lot of 'em here. Buy 'em by the dozen

time2roll wrote:
+1 for power poles. No polarity issues here. I see two screws in the OP picture... feel free to use those to install something else.

I believe colored connectors mentioned above are for Anderson connectors to separate odd voltages if needed. Only same colors will connect. So pick a different color for 24 or 48 volt set up to avoid confusion.

Powerpole connectors come in two series, PP and SB. The PP series are not keyed so different colors can be connected together. The PP series are typically used in pairs such as red and black. Each connector has a dovetail which will slide together with the mate. A roll pin is then inserted to prevent them from sliding apart. Once paired the polarity can not be reversed.


The SB series is a two contact connector. They do have a key and each color is keyed differently. Different colors can not be connected together.

Thanks everyone. Some good ideas here I’ll tackle the fix when we get back from our trip next week.

+1 for power poles. No polarity issues here. I see two screws in the OP picture... feel free to use those to install something else.

I believe colored connectors mentioned above are for Anderson connectors to separate odd voltages if needed. Only same colors will connect. So pick a different color for 24 or 48 volt set up to avoid confusion.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Powerpoles are not perfect because it is still possible to reverse polarity, but at least they are color coded.

Once assembled there is no way to reverse polarity.



Powerwerx.com carries a complete line of Anderson products.

Compared to anything else I have found Weather Pak connectors to be far and away better than anthing else. They have a range of pins to 12 AWG wire. 20 amperes will make the pin connects warm. They are weather-proof but not submersible. 3 sizes of conductors.

Nylon body "RC" power connectors are also good. Gold plated terminals. But soldering knowledge is a must and heat shrink tubing is required.

COIL CORD would be my choice for extendable action but by design the coils require 10x the room as the outside diameter of the jacket.

I have twin shielded wire in Quicksilver. Soldered. 18-AWG. Over 30 years old never an issue. Molex is fine for electronics where there is a fear of damaging the component itself. I consider these connectors as well as Hirose connectors to be inferior in fragility and corrosion vulnerability except for pricey gold pins.

theoldwizard1 wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
Well that looks like one of the MOLEX products but that is a company name and they make over a thousand different connector.. many made to a company's specs

I would change the connector to something more common (there are many options) provided you can find the dome light that can use the same connector.

Concur !

Nothing inherently wrong with Molex connectors, except as stated there are thousands of different ones.

It sure would be if the world could standardize and a robust 12VDC connector. Cigarette light sockets and plugs are too big and not really a durable design. The automotive solution from years ago was pretty good, but it was not polarized so it was possible to reverse polarity ! :E Powerpoles are not perfect because it is still possible to reverse polarity, but at least they are color coded.

The OP's type connection. HOW could you connect in reverse polarity? The Spades are D shaped and you can only install 1 way. Doug