Anderson connectors: if too small, is that a bottleneck?

[profdant139]

(This question is an offshoot of my question about cables to portable solar panels -- but since the subject of Anderson connectors comes up in a variety of contexts, I thought it would be better to start a new thread.)

Anderson connectors seem to be very useful for "plug and play" electrical power. I did a little research, and (of course) managed to confuse myself thoroughly.

I see that they come in various sizes. To borrow a phrase, does size matter? For example, if I am using ten gauge wire to draw power from my portable solar panel, but I choose a too-small Anderson connector, have I created a bottleneck that defeats the purpose of the heavier wire?

The obvious analogy is to a garden hose -- if you hitch a 3/4 inch hose to a half inch hose, you are going to be limited to the flow rate of the smaller hose.

Does the same limitation apply to the Anderson connector? And if so, how do I choose the right connector for the job?

Thanks in advance for your collective insights, bearing in mind that lots of us who read the Tech forum postings have little or no technical expertise.

[ktmrfs]

Ed_Gee wrote:
Anderson Power Pole connectors are available in different current sizes, to fit the appropriate gage wire. You should use the appropriate size for your projected maximum current. I use Anderson Power Poles all over for most of my 12VDC amateur radio connections. HOWEVER - I don't think they are quite physically robust to use for your described usage. Instead, I would use the connectors that Zamp solar uses.... which are nothing more than the standard two pin trailer plug readily available in hardware stores.

I disagree, having used both. the Zamp connectors are a low current device, even 15A can overheat and deform the connector. The anderson is capable of 50A or more, insertion swipes and cleans the connector. I've used anderson connectors on our solar cables for a decade now, dozens of times/year and the have performed flawlessly.

Now anderson does make several styles, but the larger ones are capable of 100+A and often used with winches etc. and at work the grounds crew had them on all the trucks along with jumper cable to do a quick jumper start on people who had run down batteries.

[Lwiddis]

It’s all about how much loss you are willing to accept. I want 2% or less from panels to controller.

[Ed_Gee]

Anderson Power Pole connectors are available in different current sizes, to fit the appropriate gage wire. You should use the appropriate size for your projected maximum current. I use Anderson Power Poles all over for most of my 12VDC amateur radio connections. HOWEVER - I don't think they are quite physically robust to use for your described usage. Instead, I would use the connectors that Zamp solar uses.... which are nothing more than the standard two pin trailer plug readily available in hardware stores.

[Fisherman]

Pretty simple the way I see it. Anderson tells you what size per wire to use, if you're unsure, go up one size. There is no confusion.