I'm just wondering what people's preference is for a DC power connector - I mean something in between a 2.5mm DC power plug and a 150 Amp Anderson connector, that isn't a microphone connector or a loudspeaker connector.
I know a few of you have solar power installations with batteries. What do you use for DC power connectors?

 

How about a locking Hubbell connector?

 

XT series connectors are my preference because they are ubiquitous, cheap, and solid.

 

The GX "aviation" connectors are cheap and come in various styles and pin counts, and are rated for up to 25 amps.
https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/dc-power-connector.191009/
But I mainly use trailer "J" pigtails that match small battery chargers and PV panels, along with Powerpoles.

 

The GX "aviation" connectors are cheap and come in various styles and pin counts, and are rated for up to 25 amps.
https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/dc-power-connector.191009/
But I mainly use trailer "J" pigtails that match small battery chargers and PV panels, along with Powerpoles.

You mean this one:
https://www.electrovision.co.uk/public/template-product-details.php?product_id=F310
I never knew what it was actually called. Have you ever come across a chassis-mount female version?
One common problem with a lot of good DC power connectors is the lack of a cable strain relief.

 

What amperage are you looking for. The large barrel connector used on many laptops will handle some medium current. Pluggable screw terminals are an option as well. What level of strain relief?

 

What amperage are you looking for. The large barrel connector used on many laptops will handle some medium current. Pluggable screw terminals are an option as well. What level of strain relief?

3-pin XLR and Speakon would be perfect, if they weren't microphone and speaker connectors!
I used to work for one of Neutrik's main distributors. They had a consultation about a DC power connector (I think it was instigated by the electric wheelchair industry) but they got interested in fibreoptics and data connectors and didn't progress it any further.
My suggestion was to move the keyway on the 3-pin XLR. They could even have used three different keyways for 12V, 24V and 48V. I think my suggestion was too simple and they were looking for more of a project!

 

These are the XT connectors I was talking about. They come in 40-70A capacity range, they are ubiquitous and cheap, and they come in cabe and panel mount versions of various kinds.

 

On my various Ham radios, I've standardized on the Anderson Power Pole connectors.

Not the big 100A versions.

 

On my various Ham radios, I've standardized on the Anderson Power Pole connectors.
View attachment 283911
Not the big 100A versions.

Powerpoles are great, but I assumed that @Ian0 was aware of, and had rejected them. Maybe I was wrong...

 

Powerpoles are great, but I assumed that @Ian0 was aware of, and had rejected them. Maybe I was wrong...

Powerpoles are great for internal interconnects. Imagine you wanted to make up a durable power lead, using sheathed cable, say 2.5mm^2, that can be plugged in and unplugged numerous times without falling apart, like a professional loudspeaker cable, but for DC power.

 

Well, there are these Amphenol connectors. I am guessing the price might be too high, but they sure look nice.

 

hi,
The 3Pin version are suitable as DC power connectors.
E

 

A while ago I was doing some research into power connectors for a project that didn‘t get past the proposal stage. OI couldn’t find my notes, but I found some mentions in emails.

I’d found LP-20 power connectors which appear quite nice but I couldn’t figure out if it was a real standard. Nonetheless, a search for “LP-20 Power Connectors” will give you the idea. They are good too, I think, 40A; locking, polarized, and waterproof (if that matters). I’d found them for ~$10/set (male and female, inline or panel mount).

Worth a look anyway.

 

On my various Ham radios, I've standardized on the Anderson Power Pole connectors.
View attachment 283911
Not the big 100A versions.

The first time I saw these, they were on an early mobility scooter - late 1980s. Perfect for idiot proof connect disconnect as the batteries were lifted out for transport and a second pigtail with the same connectors for charging. I thought the design was brilliant.

 

Have you ever come across a chassis-mount female version?

I haven't look for that style; maybe it's an option with name brand versions. XLR in some unpopular pin version could be the best compromise. Those are still relatively cheap compared to the industrial and military connector families. But... hold on... searching for circular connector on ebay pops up SP style connectors:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224975184291
Plastic, waterproof, up to 13 amp rating in the 2 or 3 pin versions, but unfortunately too bulky for my 3S4P-power-bank-in-a-dry-box project.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224975184291
Plastic, waterproof, up to 13 amp rating in the 2 or 3 pin versions, but unfortunately too bulky for my 3S4P-power-bank-in-a-dry-box project.

Now that's a good one. There seems to be a lot of copies of once-unaffordable ex-military designs appearing these days.
This is another possibility I remember from years ago https://www.cliffuk.co.uk/products/cliffcon/pole4.htm when Cliff was hoping to take the speaker connector market which Neutrik completely sewed up. I thought they had stopped making it.
What interests me is with solar power and battery storage, DC connectors are likely to be a requirement, yet no de-facto standard has emerged.