Anderson Connection: Why It's Attached To Boat Batteries

Anderson plugs are electrical components used in 12-volt, high-current, dual-battery systems. They are commonly used by camper-trailer and caravan owners to recharge auxiliary batteries while driving and power electrical accessories while camping. Anderson plugs can also be used to connect batteries to solar panels. They feature a rugged one-piece plastic housing and stainless steel springs to retain contacts, creating a contact force that enables greater electrical efficiency. The plugs are colour-coded, with grey, red, and blue being the most common colours. Anderson plugs provide a quick, reliable, and secure way to connect positive and negative cables, making them ideal for various applications, including trolling motor wiring, battery-connected equipment, and vehicle charging.

Anderson plugs are used to recharge auxiliary batteries while driving

Anderson plugs are ideal for use in charging circuits. They allow a vehicle battery or alternator to be connected to an auxiliary battery in a trailer or caravan, so that the auxiliary battery can be charged while the vehicle is in motion. This is a safer and more convenient alternative to a 12-pin plug, as it is specifically designed to handle a continuous charging load. The 12-pin plug can easily become overloaded and melt, whereas Anderson plugs are designed to safely handle higher currents, ensuring that the caravan's batteries are consistently charged while on the move.

In addition to charging circuits, Anderson plugs can also be used for powering electronic stability control (ESC) systems in caravans. They offer a more secure and reliable connection than a 12-pin plug, especially when driving on rough terrain. Anderson plugs have a secure locking design that eliminates the risk of connecting cables coming loose, even when driving on the roughest off-road landscapes.

Another benefit of Anderson plugs is their versatility in terms of size and colour. They come in different sizes to accommodate various power requirements, ensuring safe and reliable connections for different applications. The colour-coding system ensures that the right accessory is plugged into the right place on the vehicle or caravan circuit.

Overall, Anderson plugs are a popular choice for both commercial and recreational use due to their ability to handle high continuous loads, making them ideal for charging auxiliary batteries while driving.

They can be used to power electronic stability control systems

Anderson plugs are electrical components used in 12-volt, high-current, dual-battery systems. They are commonly used by camper-trailer and caravan owners to recharge auxiliary batteries while driving and power electrical accessories while camping.

Anderson plugs can also be used to power the electronic stability control system in a trailer or caravan in tow. This system can be powered through a 12-pin plug when driving, but an Anderson plug provides a better connection. Its secure locking design virtually eliminates the risk of connecting cables coming loose.

The electronic stability control system helps maintain stability and control while towing a trailer or caravan. It uses sensors to monitor the vehicle's handling and can make adjustments to improve stability, such as applying brakes to individual wheels or reducing engine power to prevent wheel spin or loss of control.

By using an Anderson plug to power the electronic stability control system, you can ensure a consistent and reliable connection, even when driving over rough terrain. This enhances the safety and performance of your vehicle-trailer combination, making it easier to handle and reducing the risk of accidents.

Overall, Anderson plugs offer a convenient and safe solution for powering electronic stability control systems in trailers and caravans, providing a secure connection that can handle high charging loads and maintain stability during towing.

Anderson plugs are a safer alternative to cigarette lighter sockets

Anderson plugs offer a more secure and stable connection compared to cigarette lighter sockets. Their unique design eliminates the worry about male or female ends, simplifying the connection process. They also have a secure locking mechanism that prevents connecting cables from coming loose, even when driving on rough terrain. This makes them a safer option, especially when dealing with high-demand applications.

Additionally, Anderson plugs have a higher power capacity, being able to carry up to 50 amps, making them perfect for high-power accessories such as fridges and air compressors. They are also colour-coded, helping users avoid confusion and ensuring proper connections.

In terms of safety, Anderson plugs are specifically designed to handle continuous charging loads, reducing the risk of overheating or melting that can occur with cigarette lighter sockets. This makes them a more reliable option for powering your devices and reducing the chance of damage to your equipment.

They can be used to connect solar panels to batteries

Anderson plugs are a specialised electrical component used in 12-volt, high-current, dual-battery systems. They are commonly used by camper-trailer and caravan owners to recharge auxiliary batteries while driving and power electrical accessories while camping. Anderson plugs can also be used to connect solar panels to batteries, allowing for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to recharge auxiliary batteries.

When using Anderson plugs to connect solar panels to batteries, it is important to ensure that the plugs are properly connected and secured. The positive and negative cables must be aligned correctly, and the polarity of the connections must be checked to avoid incorrect charging. Additionally, a solar regulator must be used to prevent overcharging of the batteries, which can be damaging.

Anderson plugs provide a quick, convenient, and secure way to connect solar panels to batteries. They eliminate the need for direct connections, which can interfere with power management systems and lead to incorrect readings. With Anderson plugs, campers can easily set up their solar panels and take advantage of renewable energy sources during their trips.

It is worth noting that Anderson plugs come in different colours, such as grey, red, and blue, and each colour is designed to be used with its matching colour. This colour-coding system helps users remember to connect the correct application or accessory to the correct circuit, ensuring a safe and proper connection.

By utilising Anderson plugs to connect solar panels to batteries, campers can benefit from a reliable and efficient way to recharge their auxiliary batteries while enjoying the great outdoors. This setup not only reduces the need to run a vehicle engine to charge batteries but also promotes a more eco-friendly camping experience.

Anderson plugs are easy to install

Anderson plugs are a specialised electrical component used in 12-volt, high-current, dual-battery systems. They are commonly used by camper-trailer and caravan owners to recharge auxiliary batteries while driving and power electrical accessories while camping. Anderson plugs are also useful for boat owners, as they can be used to recharge auxiliary batteries and power equipment.

• Strip the outer jacket from the twin-core cable. Remove at least 70mm of material to ensure a straight path for the inner cores to enter the housing without introducing unnecessary strain on the cable or contacts. You can use a flat cable stripper or a box cutter to make a shallow cut around the perimeter of the outer jacket and carefully pull off the material.
• Strip 11mm of insulation from each of the inner cable cores using a wire stripper. This allows the conductor to seat completely within the Anderson contact.
• Crimp the contacts in place using a crimping tool, such as the Anderson Power Products 1309G4 Crimp Tool. Load the contact into the crimp tool, positioning it with the blade parallel to the jaws and the logo facing up. 'Prime' the crimp tool, insert the positive core, and crimp. Repeat for the second core.
• Check the polarity of the contacts. Grab the Anderson SB® Series housing and hold it with the logo facing up. Position the contacts with the positive side on the right.
• Insert the contacts into the housing. Place the housing on your work surface, hold the lead, and use a flat-blade screwdriver to push firmly on the barrel of the contact until it snaps into place. You will hear and feel a tang lock into place.
• Perform a final check by mating your connector with another Anderson plug. If the contacts are installed correctly, they should snap into place securely.

By following these steps, you can easily install an Anderson plug to customise the length of your lead and suit your specific application, whether it's for a car, caravan, boat, or any other vehicle.

Frequently asked questions