KNW-122
Anderson PowerPole Connectors
Why Anderson Powerpoles?? Interoperability
In the rather frantic and hectic long days and nights of amateur radio emergency operations in the immediate aftermath of the September 2001 World Trade Center attacks, the need for a new and more reliable method of power connectivity arose. The then currently used standard Molex power plugs left much to be desired in the continuous operational mode. Their outside plastic covers became fused together from the heat generated over time in use. Anybody got a side cutter?
Enter the Anderson Powerpoles with their reliable and even idiot proof connectivity. There are two main sizes that have become the defacto standard for the ARES amateur community; the 15 amp connector (for use with #16 and #18 gauge wire) and the 30 amp connector (for use with #12 and #14 gauge wire). There are of course the complete range in sizes from 10 Amps up to 180 amps available.
The identical connector halves are genderless — making for ease and quickness of assembly with a minimum number of parts to keep on hand. The molded dovetail design allow you to configure customized assemblies with a wide variety to use in common ARES operations. With a wide range from cigarette lighter connections to automobile battery, solar power and other power supply types to supply your radios; all connections can be made in a commonality with these small devices.
Housings should be mated, viewed from the contact side (opposite the wire side), with the hood up, tongue down, RED on the LEFT, BLACK on the RIGHT. High conductivity silver plated copper contacts give a minimal contact resistance at high current uses. The flat self-wiping contact surface provides for a make and break to keep conducting surfaces clean. Contact detents serve to keep the connectors positively mated in high-vibration applications and give a quick-break, snap action upon disconnect. The non corrosive stainless steel leaf springs will serve to maintain a constant contact pressure and serve in frequent connect/disconnect operations and an intermittent overloading situation. The durable and high impact resistant polycarbonate housings with a UL94 V-O housing material.
A 3/32″ X 1/4″ length roll pin is provided to secure the connectors in the desired configuration though some desire to use a drop of super glue as a holder. An easy crimp routine for the wire to contact is to face the connector seam toward the concave side of the crimping tool. A small blade screw driver or X-Acto blade is used to remove the contact from the housing by lifting the front of the contact slightly over the detent in front and gently remove the contact from the rear of the housing.
Make up and utilization possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
There is another article available on this subject that is not suitable for net training but provides photos for clarification. It is KNW-120 Power Pole 101
That concludes tonight’s training. Are there any questions, comments or suggested additions?
Thanks, this is (callsign) clear to net control.
“When all else fails — Amateur Radio works”