Conectors for portable panels

[mattpitts74]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the process of planning a simple 12v solar setup for my van. I'm planning the keep the panel portable rather than fixed to the roof, so trying to figure out the best way of connecting and disconnecting each time to the solar charger?

Its my understanding that MC4 cables are not really designed for repeated use in this way, so was thinking anderson connector mounted someone on the outside of the van, which is connected to the solar controller.

Does that sound senibile or are there any other easy solutions?

 

[Jabstatt]

You need a connector that won’t get water inside, either from the rear, cable entry side or from the connection side when nothing plugged in, unless you put it inside a locker.

Anderson are good but you need to seal the rear with sika and use a rubber plug on the front or use a waterproof circular marine connector

Great solution.

Tony

 

[oldiesontour]

I use a 3 pin (round old style) flush mount (wall) socket in the van and plug on the lead from the panels (200w) available from SF or TS .Plenty of give in door rubbers to accommodate wire

 

[Lenny HB]

IP68 Waterproof Connector Series

Anderson Power Products® (APP®), a leader in the design and manufacture of interconnect solutions, is pleased to announce that we are releasing soon a new series of waterproof connectors.

www.andersonpower.com

 

[Jabstatt]

Perfect and if they are as good as their other products, will be ideal.

Just a question of when!

Tony

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[mattpitts74]

Thanks for the suggestions, I was thinking something like this would be suitable https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/ande...mental-boot-for-sb50-connector-load-side.html

All the waterproof connectors I've found are only suitable for 4mm wire not 6mm wire, https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/ip67-waterproof-panel-mount-connectors-1224v-dc-20a.html which is my PV wire Maybe there are alternative connectors out there?

 

[Raul]

I'm using MC4 connectors ( Staubli) for my portable intermittent use, since 2020 ish. I just clipped the side tags so they don't lock together. So far no issues, and if there is any issue, I always carry 10-15 pairs of MC4's and pliers. A pair of MC4 for me is £1 each as I buy bags of 50.

 

[Gromett]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the process of planning a simple 12v solar setup for my van. I'm planning the keep the panel portable rather than fixed to the roof, so trying to figure out the best way of connecting and disconnecting each time to the solar charger?

Its my understanding that MC4 cables are not really designed for repeated use in this way, so was thinking anderson connector mounted someone on the outside of the van, which is connected to the solar controller.

Does that sound senibile or are there any other easy solutions?

Did you see my recent thread on anderson connectors and external ports/with flap?

Installing an Anderson connector on the side of van and caravan.

I have a standalone Diesel tank for my diesel heater in the caravan and another for my van. I was using a battery operated pump to transfer from the jerry can to the tank but they keep failing and take too long. So I have ordered a really good one. these come with crocodile clips and I was...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk