Weather proof Bulkhead connector for solar panels?
- Thread starter SBSYNCRO
- Start date
Hillbilly Heaven
Explorer
I also recommend that when disconnected to insert a blank plug in the bulkhead to keep trash out.
llamalander
Well-known member
WF28 connectors- Waterproof, removable and includes a cap to cover the bulkhead when the wire is disconnected. The 2-pin can handle up to 50 amps. Connections are soldered to the connector on both sides and secured with strain relief clamps. Height above the deck is less than 2"
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IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
I'll always recommend anderson connectors.
In this instance, a flush mount anderson port seems perfect.
powerwerx.com
In this instance, a flush mount anderson port seems perfect.
Powerwerx PanelPole, Panel Mount Housing for Two Powerpole Connectors with a Weather Resistant Cover
Easily add Powerpole outputs to your dashboard, go-box, panel or chassis. Weather resistant rubber cover protects & seals connectors when not in use. High output capacity of up to 45A on each Powerpole. Includes (4) 30A contacts. Fits 1-1/8" dia. hole.
powerwerx.com
I'll always recommend anderson connectors.
In this instance, a flush mount anderson port seems perfect.
Powerwerx PanelPole, Panel Mount Housing for Two Powerpole Connectors with a Weather Resistant Cover
Easily add Powerpole outputs to your dashboard, go-box, panel or chassis. Weather resistant rubber cover protects & seals connectors when not in use. High output capacity of up to 45A on each Powerpole. Includes (4) 30A contacts. Fits 1-1/8" dia. hole.
Are these actually sealed in anyway when connected? It doesn't look like they are, so if the OP were to mount this to his roof (presumably on a horizontal surface), water could pour in when the panels are connected.
Objectively, Anderson connectors are pretty crappy connectors, they have no strain relief, no ingress protection, are not latching and are not well keyed. There are a ton of circular connectors made for this application that have bulkhead mates, are weather proof, have strain relief and dust caps, for example:
Sealed Circular Connectors | Switchcraft
www.switchcraft.com
IP67, IP68 & IP69K environmentally sealed circular power connectors
Bulgin offers a full range of IP66, IP67, IP68 and IP69K rated environmentally sealed circular power connectors designed to provide secure, robust and watertight connections in heavy duty, industrial & harsh environment applications.
www.bulgin.com
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
I use Anderson PowerPole for a lot of things but their only real advantage is ubiquity within ham radio circles. There are worse connectors (like the SAE) but in this application there are certainly better options. I use the Tyco CPC personally and probably would for this but it's just another option amongst the others suitable ones presented. I like the Deutsch (or similar Delphi, Sumitomo, Yazaki) types, too.
www.te.com
Circular Plastic connectors
TE’s circular plastic connectors (CPC) enable engineers to design rugged products quickly and affordably by offering a versatile range of power and signal options.
www.te.com
Alloy
Well-known member
Are these actually sealed in anyway when connected? It doesn't look like they are, so if the OP were to mount this to his roof (presumably on a horizontal surface), water could pour in when the panels are connected.
Objectively, Anderson connectors are pretty crappy connectors, they have no strain relief, no ingress protection, are not latching and are not well keyed. There are a ton of circular connectors made for this application that have bulkhead mates, are weather proof, have strain relief and dust caps, for example:
Sealed Circular Connectors | Switchcraft
IP67, IP68 & IP69K environmentally sealed circular power connectors
Bulgin offers a full range of IP66, IP67, IP68 and IP69K rated environmentally sealed circular power connectors designed to provide secure, robust and watertight connections in heavy duty, industrial & harsh environment applications.
Rubber boots are available Anderson plugs but I don't use them. Any connection mounted with the receptacle facing up is going to get water in it unless it is covered or in the desert.
I have 8 sets of Andersons that latch on my panels. They lay on the ground in rain/snow and the best part is the ease of use in any (dark) conditions. There is no issues with bending pins or wearing (mating cycles) the socket out due to misalignment.
.
SBSYNCRO
Well-known member
Lots of good ideas so far. The marinco trolling motor connector looks sufficiently weatherproof and fairly low profile.
However many of these connectors have a flaw (including the Marinco): they aren’t part of a mix & match ecosystem.
Here’s the practical implication of what I am talking about:
When I remove the panel from the roof rack, I’ll obviously unplug the connector. The remaining female socket must have a weather proof connector (many of the options listed have this). However when I set the panel up in camp 30’ away so it’s in the sun, I need to be able to take the male end of the connector (on the panel) and attach it easily to an extension cable (which right now has mc4 connectors).
Having another bulkhead-mount socket on the end of the 30’ extension doesn’t make much sense. But unless there is a “cable end” type female connector that mates up with the male connector (that came with the bulkhead mount), that’s the only option.
As far as I can tell, the Marinco and WF28 (and similar) connectors are for bulkhead attachments only and lack a weatherized cable end option like SAE, DT, or Anderson (sorta) do.
However many of these connectors have a flaw (including the Marinco): they aren’t part of a mix & match ecosystem.
Here’s the practical implication of what I am talking about:
When I remove the panel from the roof rack, I’ll obviously unplug the connector. The remaining female socket must have a weather proof connector (many of the options listed have this). However when I set the panel up in camp 30’ away so it’s in the sun, I need to be able to take the male end of the connector (on the panel) and attach it easily to an extension cable (which right now has mc4 connectors).
Having another bulkhead-mount socket on the end of the 30’ extension doesn’t make much sense. But unless there is a “cable end” type female connector that mates up with the male connector (that came with the bulkhead mount), that’s the only option.
As far as I can tell, the Marinco and WF28 (and similar) connectors are for bulkhead attachments only and lack a weatherized cable end option like SAE, DT, or Anderson (sorta) do.
I am not sure the boots would be the whole solution it this case - it appears the Anderson connectors are just pressed into a plastic housing and water would flow around the connector into the voids. Many of the circular connectors suggested above are IP67 - which means they are water tight, even to immersion.
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
Why stick with MC4? Pick a system and just use it everywhere in your outfit. Or make an adapter. There's nothing magical about MC4 and they aren't a great choice if you're making and breaking connections often. They are intended to be left undisturbed mainly.
Many pf the circular connectors above have both panel mount and inline connector options. For example the Bulgin 900 series:
Heavy Duty Circular Connectors - 900 Series
High powered circular cable connectors capable of up to 32A, 600V ac/dc ratings. Sealed up to IP68, the 900 Series ensures robust high voltage connections.
www.bulgin.com
SBSYNCRO
Well-known member
Many pf the circular connectors above have both panel mount and inline connector options. For example the Bulgin 900 series:
Heavy Duty Circular Connectors - 900 Series
High powered circular cable connectors capable of up to 32A, 600V ac/dc ratings. Sealed up to IP68, the 900 Series ensures robust high voltage connections.
Those look promising.
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Alloy
Well-known member
You want a plug that can be used outside rain or sun.....dropped in the dirt and keeps going. These are mine.
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SBSYNCRO
Well-known member
If only they made a weather proof bulkhead connector...