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Anderson Power Poles... Where you been all my life?
- Thread starter Mudfoot
- Start date
When I first encountered these things, I thought they were the greatest things. Anymore, I hate these things. If anything, never buy off brand name powerpoles. You will most likely have issues. I spent a lot of money on these doodads. Bought the expensive crimper and removal tool. I was putting them on everything.
Since that time, I've encountered countless failures with them. Can't stand them now.
Since that time, I've encountered countless failures with them. Can't stand them now.
I'm surprised by the your turn around opinion on these.
I still use them both in the shack and mobile with little to no failures any more. I have multiple power pole rig runners and it makes the most convenient way to run power to all my 12v devices. I also use the larger 350 amp versions for high current connections.
One issue I had is with small gauge wires would easily break off if I handled them a lot. This is due to the fact that the smaller the wire, the weaker the crimp is whereas with 4 gauge wire I use for my mobile HF amp is virtually unbreakable.
The 45 and 30 amp powerpole connectors hold up just fine using wire gauges from 10 to 14 but on the 15 amp connectors, I found if I strip the 18 gauge or thinner wires longer than normal and fold the wire down on top of each other it gives more surface area for the crimp to bite down on.
Other than that as long that I plug and unplug the connectors by grabbing the connectors and also making sure there is no tension and some slack on the wires when making connections, I don't have any failures.
I agree to using only true Anderson Power poles and the right crimper. I haven't seen any knockoffs but I wouldn't doubt they are out there.
What issues have you had that made you change your mind on these?
Issues with smaller wire. I've had larger Guage wire come loose. Could be my crimp tool, but I soldered after crimping now. I've bought knock offs. Some are decent, though. Seem like they get sloppy after repeated use. Just not crazy about them anymore. Definitely stay away from anything not OEM.
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I only use name brand and solder mine so they are reusable. Never had a problem.
I have never had an issue with them, I crimp with genuine crimper and anything that pulls over 5 amps gets soldered as well.
I have had great luck with these for anything in the 5-40 amp range. Just put the metal end in a vice grip and fill it 3/4 with solder and then dunk the cable in. Works great, I have had zero failures in 15 years.
Yes these smaller ones here fit radios with the 6pin white molex plug. With a little filing of the corners.